Israel Fire Service Chief Shachar Ayalon told Israel Radio on Thursday morning that investigators are working to determine if the large Ein Kerem Forest blaze on Wednesday, 27 Sivan was the result of carelessness or arson.

Ayalon explained it was too early to make any announcements. He explained it is entirely possible that a camper did not properly extinguish a barbeque or it is possible that the huge blaze was arson, possibly a terror attack.

Five homes sustained heavy damage in the fire and dozens of others were evacuated in the Kiryat Yovel and Ein Kerem neighborhoods of the capital. Electricity was turned off to streets that were in the path of the fire as over 50 fire units and six firefighting planes battled to bring the fire under control. The fire commander released a message that the fire was under control at about 19:30, almost five hours after the blaze began. Five people were treated for minor smoke inhalation. B’chasdei Hashem there was no loss or life or serious injuries. 500 dunam (125 acres) of forestry was destroyed.

The fire department is moving to heightened alert over the weekend in the north amid forecasts of sharav weather conditions. Firefighting officials call on campers and visitors to be extremely cautious to prevent any and all fire from getting out of control.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)