Massive Fire Erupts Near Shopping Center in Northern Israel

A large fire broke out Saturday evening near the "Big Fashion OUTLET" shopping complex in Yarka, in the Western Galilee. Heavy black smoke billowed into the sky from the scene, where tires at a nearby recycling facility caught fire. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported that due to strong winds, the fire threatened to spread to nearby residential buildings. Firefighting teams from the Zevulun station worked to isolate the blaze and prevent it from reaching homes, performing direct firefighting and protection of the structures until full control was achieved. The police reported that the shopping center was evacuated of visitors as a precaution, though no injuries were sustained in the incident. Authorities urged the public to follow the instructions of security and emergency forces and to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.