Wildfires sweep across northeastern Negev as Shavuot holiday approaches

Local authorities deploy to towns near Lahav Forest after blazes rage through some 300 acres close to nearby kibbutz; no injuries reported.

Wildfires swept across parts of the northeastern Negev, June 3, 2014. (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Wildfires swept across parts of the northeastern Negev, June 3, 2014.
(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Wildfires swept across parts of the northeastern Negev on Tuesday, prompting authorities to evacuate residents in the vicinity as the Shavuot holiday approach.
Local authorities were dispatched to towns near the Lahav Forest after blazes raged through some 300 acres near Kibbutz Lahav.
Firefighting teams from Beersheba were working to extinguish the fire in cooperation with the Nature and Parks Authority and members of members of KKL-JNF.
Firefighting forces managed to control the flames near the kibbutz.
Dozens of aid teams, including fire-extinguishing planes, remaining in the area.
No injuries were reported and residents of the kibbutz were permitted later on Tuesday to return home.