On This Day: The Carmel Fire

The winter of 2009 was particularly dry, and already by morning, a warning from the meteorological service had been issued about the risk of ignition in the Carmel forest area. The warnings turned out to be accurate beyond what could have been expected. A hookah coal, likely not extinguished properly, was the cause of a massive fire that broke out on the 25th of Kislev, 2009, and raged through the Carmel forests for four days.

Strong winds fueled the flames, spreading to other areas, reserves, and residential areas. When the fire forces witnessed the intensity of the blaze, they ordered the evacuation of residents from the entire Carmel area.

Nineteen countries from around the world rallied to assist Israel, sending firefighting planes or fire trucks to help Israeli fire forces gain control over the massive fire.

The fire exacted a heavy toll. A bus carrying prison guards sent to evacuate prisoners from Damon Prison was caught in the flames. All 38 passengers perished, along with six additional firefighters and police officers who tried to rescue the bus passengers.

In addition to the loss of life, there was immense damage to the forests, roads, wildlife, and trees in the area, and of course, to several settlements surrounding the area. Approximately 250 structures were damaged, of which 74 were completely destroyed.