At least 30 fire teams were deployed in efforts during shabbos to bring a giant blaze under control in Akko. According to senior fire fighting officials, they are not expecting to declare the blaze officially under control until the early hours Sunday morning, combating difficult acrid smoke conditions from the metal factory.

Minister of Environmental Affairs Gilad Erdan has called to launch an investigation as a result of the fumes emanating from the factory located in the Akko Industrial Zone, bringing a heavy dark cloud over Kfar Masrik and other adjoining areas. Residents were instructed to remain indoors to avoid inhaling the fumes generated by the blaze.

The fire began on shabbos in the Pladot metal factory during the morning hours, at about 11:00am. Area shopping was halted and stores were ordered shut due to the cloud of smoke that was soon visible over the entire Akko Bay area. Sections of Route 4 were also ordered closed by police, compelling drivers to use alternate routes. B’chasdei Hashem, there are no reports of injuries.

According to Rami Shani, the owner of Pladot, the blaze erupted in a metal storage facility, hinting the fire department’s slow response contributed to the blaze spreading out of control. He alleges the first fire team did not arrive for at least 30 minutes.

Akko Mayor Yehuda Shavit wants the factory closed, explaining local residents have been fighting to have it shut or relocated for years and the toxic cloud hovering over the area today was enough of a reason for the Environmental Ministry to act to ensure the doors of Pladot are shut for good. Kiryat Ata Mayor Yaakov Peretz concurs.

Environmental Ministry technicians continue monitoring the blaze and more importantly, the smoke emanating from the scene, stating there is no danger to area residents at this time.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)