Thousands of Tons of Potatoes and Snacks Burn in Ongoing Sderot Industrial Fire

Firefighters have yet to control a large blaze that erupted in the industrial zone of Sderot, southern Israel. The fire destroyed thousands of tons of potatoes and a Strauss snack warehouse. Authorities temporarily halted train stops at Sderot station due to the fire. Police blocked nearby roads, including Highway 232 east-west and the entrance to Sderot from Highway 34 in both directions, urging residents to avoid the area.

The fire reportedly began yesterday afternoon but reignited this morning with greater intensity after initial firefighting efforts failed to fully extinguish it. Despite early concerns about an ammonia leak from one of the burning factories, the fire and rescue service confirmed no hazardous materials were involved. Twenty-five firefighting teams, including inter-district support, are actively working to contain the fire.

Residents of the nearby Music neighborhood were advised to stay indoors and close windows as firefighters battled to stop the flames from spreading. Magen David Adom reported that one firefighter and one civilian suffered mild smoke inhalation injuries. The situation remains critical as efforts to control the fire continue.