A bushfire broke out north of the Galilee, forcing the closure of Highway 87 and the deployment of 14 firefighting teams, the spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Authority's northern district said on Friday.
Rashaf Alex Brenner, commander of the teams working at the scene, added: “The fire broke out in an open area with difficult access, and the flames spread quickly due to strong winds."
Teams on the ground and in the area are working to contain the fire and prevent harm to citizens and property, he added.
Stopping fire from encroaching on beaches, nearby highway
Six firefighting planes from the “Elad” squadron also tried to prevent the fire from making its way towards the Galilee beaches and the nearby highway.
"Due to the burning of numerous reeds alongside natural vegetation, heavy smoke is spreading in the area. The fire is advancing northward, and firefighters are taking measures to protect nearby orchards along the fire line," read the statement.
Authorities confirmed that the fire is still not under control.
This is a developing story.