12:15PM IL: The fire in Haifa is spreading the Moriah neighborhood, the heart of the Carmel. The fire is spreading without mercy despite the efforts of firefighters on the ground and in the air, which do not seem to have an impact against the strong wind conditions. [EARLIER UPDATES FOLLOW]

12:03PM IL: National Fire Service spokesman to Channel 10 News : It is too early to determine the cause of the fires but because it begin in 3 to 4 different places, it appears on the surface to be arson.

A police chopper high overhead is directing aerial and ground forces as how to proceed trying to control the blaze.

11:55AM IL: Among the buildings being evacuated in Haifa is a an old age home. A United Hatzalah EMT is seen going house-to-house, armed only with a face mask, working desperately to get people out in time. Firefighters are describing the fire as “massive” as firefighting planes from a number of countries are heading to Israel to assist.

MDA forces and police are all working with the fire department to get people out of the area. despite the seriousness of the situation, some persons are unwilling to abandon their homes. Fire spokesman Uri Chibutro reports the damage in the areas being evacuated is heavy and at present, efforts are concentrating on getting people out in time.

11:46AM IL: Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav told Channel 2 News moments ago that the entire Romeima and Sapir neighborhoods in the city is being evacuated as the fire is out of control. There are reports that Haifa University is being evacuated as wellCarmel and Rambam Hospitals in the city are on alert status to accept victims of the fires. At least two victims of smoke inhalation have been transported to Rambam.

The Paz Bridge and portions of Route 22 in Haifa are closed as fire officers are calling for assistance, aware the fire is spreading quickly.

Residents in Haifa are being brought to Beit Yad L’Banim on HaYarkon Street as well as the Bat Galim Matnas.

In the Shomron, there is an call for anyone capable of assisting as fires are burning out of control in Yishuv Talmon (Binyamin Council area) and Yitzhar (Shomron Regional Council). In Talmon, hundreds of students and residents have been evacuated as a number of homes are engulfed in flames. B’chasdei Hashem, at present, the only damage is to property.

In Ashkelon, there appears to be a fire on Nitzanim Street, apparently a residential structure.

There are reports of three fires in the Nazareth area and at present, there is no fear of having to evacuate residents.

Turkey has offered assistance, to send a large firefighting plane, which Israel has accepted. Israel receiving firefighting planes from Greece, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Cyprus, and Turkey, ten in total.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)