Arson suspected of causing two fires Saturday - report

Houses have caught on fire in Gita as multiple fires were reported in Israel on Saturday. Authorities suspect two cases of arson.

 Israel Fire and Rescue Services firefighter attempting to extinguish a fire on November 13, 2021 (photo credit: ISRAEL FIRE AND RESUCE SERVICES)
Israel Fire and Rescue Services firefighter attempting to extinguish a fire on November 13, 2021
(photo credit: ISRAEL FIRE AND RESUCE SERVICES)

Two fires, which authorities suspect were caused by arson, broke out Saturday, one in Gita and one near Zeitan, Channel 13 reported. The fire in Gita led to an evacuation of the village.

Fire and Rescue Services gained control over the fire near Zeitan Saturday afternoon. The fire near Gita was also stopped Saturday, allowing residents to return to their homes, Channel 13 reported.

Several houses in Gita, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council, caught on fire and six were damaged.

Firefighting teams, as well as Israel Police forces, a firefighting plane, a police helicopter and medical teams were on the scene in Gita as the fire raged.

Some 30 homes were evacuated near Yarka in the north of Israel Saturday evening as a fire broke out in the area. Some 14 teams and six firefighting aircraft were active at the scene.

 An Israel Police officer is seen looking at a damaged house in the Gita village fire on November 13, 2021 (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)
An Israel Police officer is seen looking at a damaged house in the Gita village fire on November 13, 2021 (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)

More fires were reported across Israel on Saturday as Fire and rescue services were active at 234 incidents, 118 of which were in open territory, said Channel 13.

Eight firefighting squads have responded to reports of a fire on Road 444, near Rosh Ha'ayin train station. No one was reported injured or trapped. Another fire, in Abu Ghosh, is under control.