Jerusalem fire under control, police suspect arson

[News_Editor]

Jerusalem fire under control, police suspect arson

2011-07-18 05:01:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM (BNO NEWS) -- Firefighters have gained control over a major fire that broke out Sunday in western Jerusalem. The fire almost reached the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and the Pi Glilot oil refinery.

Haaretz newspaper reported that police received reports of three fires in Jerusalem Forest at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time. Rescue teams arrived on the scene immediately and began battling the fires. Four planes from the fire department and additional planes owned by private companies sprayed water in an attempt to create a buffer between the fire and the residential neighborhoods.

Rescue teams also evacuated the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial nearby, while police asked nearby residents to close their windows. At least five people were treated for smoke inhalation and four were taken to the hospital.

According to Fire Service commissioner Shahar Ayalon, "the main problem is smoke. Whoever doesn't need to be in the area should leave."

Jerusalem District commander Niso Shaham said in a press conference that because the fire broke out in three different places, there would be an investigation to determine if it was caused by arson.

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