Last update - 00:00 23/03/2008
Large fire blazes in pesticide shed in southern community
By Zafrir Rinat, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Staff
A large fire broke out Sunday evening in a shed holding pesticides in the southern community of Sade Moshe near Kiryat Gat. No injuries were reported.
The initial cause of the blaze was unknown. Residents were warned to stay in their houses, and nearby Route 35 closed off to traffic.
Seven firefighter squads were brought to the area, and they doused the fire.
Heat wave continues nationwide
Temperatures nationwide soared Sunday, reaching a whooping 38 degrees Celcius in Tel Aviv, which is 10 degrees higher in comparison to the average temperature in previous years during this season.
The current heat wave is expected to continue until Tuesday, and only on Wednesday and Thursday will there be a significant decrease in temperatures, with a slight chance of rainfall. However, in coming days, warnings of fires as a result of the heat wave have been issued, especially near densely-forested areas.
On Sunday, firefighting squads dealt with numerous blazes around the Sharon region, and had each fire under control, causing no injuries.
According to statistics provided by the meteorology company Meteo-Tech Ltd., temperatures in the Golan Heights reached 33 degrees, while in Be'er Sheva temperatures reached 37 degrees.
The source of the heat wave is southern winds coming from Africa, which caused an increase of 4 degrees Sunday. Later Sunday the winds will change directions, and therefore will decrease temperatures by 2-3 degrees.