5:07PM IL: A major fire is raging out of control in Eilat’s Orchidea Hotel on Thursday afternoon, compelling firefighters to evacuate the entire hotel. There are a number of injuries being reported, all apparently light.

The blaze seems to be concentrated in the area of uppers suites and firefighters are now still working to contain the blaze. There appears to be significant damage to upper floors of the hotel.

The unseasonably hot and dry weather is making the work of firefighters exceptionally difficult and the blaze at this time is not being declared under control.

5:19PM IL: At least ten people have been treated for smoke inhalation and some have been transported to a hospital. One guest explains that it appears a small brush fire from the heat spread to the hotel and it got out of control rather quickly. It should be pointed out that the facility is constructed of wood, not cement as is the case in most Israeli construction.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)