Electrical Fault Sparks 13-Hour Fire at BIG Complex Construction Site in Petah Tikva

A major fire broke out at the underground parking lot of the BIG shopping complex construction site in Petah Tikva, lasting over 13 hours before firefighters gained full control early on August 9, 2026. The fire started in an electrical cabinet on the minus one parking level and spread rapidly due to flammable materials stored there, including plastic pipes and chipboard panels. The affected parking area covers approximately 2,000 square meters near the intersection of Jabotinsky and Moshe Dayan streets.

Following the extensive blaze, authorities are currently assessing the structural stability of the building's foundations and parking floor. There is concern that parts of the site may need to be demolished, potentially causing damage worth millions of shekels. A special investigation team from the Central District Fire and Rescue Services, working alongside the Petah Tikva police, is conducting a thorough inquiry into the cause and impact of the fire.

The heavy smoke from the fire spread over a wide area, reaching nearby residential towers in the Neve Gan neighborhood. Firefighters battled the flames for more than 12 hours before fully extinguishing the fire. The incident highlights risks associated with electrical faults and stored combustible materials at construction sites.