Jerusalem City Hall fire under control, alleged arsonist arrested

The fire began in the main building and the various committees ended their work to leave the building. Those who work at the office of mayor Moshe Lion also evacuated.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Firefighters fighting the fire at Jerusalem's City Hall on April 22 2020 (photo credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)
Firefighters fighting the fire at Jerusalem's City Hall on April 22 2020
(photo credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)
Jerusalem’s City Hall caught on fire on Wednesday evening as a result of arson, Jerusalem Firefighters Department spokesperson Lihi Ben Lolo said.
The blaze was put out later Wednesday night.

The fire began in the main building of the complex, forcing various committees to end their work to leave. Those who work at the office of Mayor Moshe Lion were also evacuated.  

The Jerusalem City Hall spokesperson said that once the fire was detected emergency procedures were activated and police and firefighters were called to the scene. 
Eight teams of firefighters worked to put out the fire and searched for anyone who might be trapped in the building. No casualties were reported. 
Police arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly starting the fire. The man is reportedly a resident of east Jerusalem.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Lion's bodyguard was the one who caught the alleged arsonist. 
Molotov cocktails were allegedly found at the scene, according to a KAN News report citing a city hall official.