subject: Forest Fires in Israel [print this page] Forest Fires in Israel Forest Fires in Israel
It seems hard to believe that, with the freezing conditions, snow and ice that we are seeing here, that anywhere else in the world would be any different.
But spare a thought for the people in Israel this week, who are suffering from raging forest fires that are threatening to destroy homes and businesses across Tirat Carmel.
Strong eastern winds have fanned the fires and pushed them towards residential areas, with additional fires blazing in Ussafiya and near the Atlit prison. Two thousand people have had to be evacuated from neighbourhoods in Haifa, and condolences and aids are being offered from countries across the world, let by President Obama.
"As rescuers and fire-fighters continue in their work, the United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster," Obama said at a reception celebrating the second night of Hanukka.
"A short while ago, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jim Cunningham, issued a disaster declaration, which has launched an effort across the US government to identify the fire fighting assistance we have available and provide it to Israel as quickly as possible. Of course, that's what friends do for each other."
Emergency services have begun evacuating more areas as the fire spreads, and planes have been sent full of fire retardant chemicals, to drop on the towns and help to quell the fires and stop the spreading and further damage.
If you are planning on travelling to Israel this winter, consult the travel companies for the best advice, and make sure that you have Holiday Insurance.
