A series of rapid brush fires erupted across the country over the weekend, causing widespread disruption and property damage.
A fire near Ness Ziona disrupted train service across the Center and South on Sunday morning. Trains between the Lod, Rehovot, and Ashkelon stations, as well as between the Lod and Rishon Lezion stations, were suspended.
A second brush fire broke out in Moshav Uza, located near Kiryat Gat. The blazes spread to several chicken coops, putting residential homes in danger. Eight firefighting teams from the Ashkelon Regional Station were able to quickly put out the fire.
Fires break out in West Bank, northern Israel
On Saturday, three fast-moving fires in the West Bank and the North wreaked havoc, setting about a dozen homes on fire and damaging several vehicles, including a fire truck.
At Gilad Farm, near the Samarian settlement of Kedumim, police evacuated residents and blocked part of Highway 55 before firefighters eventually brought that blaze under control. Two firefighters were moderately and lightly injured, and several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, Ynet reported.
Fires also broke out in the Jezreel Valley, in the village of Vradim, and one in the Mount Tabor area, near Shibli.
All fires were contained. Public broadcaster KAN reported that authorities are investigating the possibility of arson in the Jezreel Valley fire.
Ruby Sadikman, Alon Hachmon, and Moshe Cohen contributed to this report.