WATCH: 17 wounded, some jump off roof to escape fire engulfing Tiberias villa

Emergency responders evacuated residents while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

 A fire breaks out in a residential building in Tiberias, March 1, 2025. (photo credit: FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY NORTHERN DIVISION)
A fire breaks out in a residential building in Tiberias, March 1, 2025.
(photo credit: FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY NORTHERN DIVISION)

A fire broke out in a two-story villa on Rakafet Street in Tiberias on Saturday, leaving 17 people injured.

Firefighting teams arrived to find the first floor completely engulfed in flames. Emergency responders evacuated residents while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

Six firefighting and rescue teams from the Tiberias fire station responded to the incident, extinguishing the fire, searching for trapped individuals, and disconnecting energy sources to the building.

People jump from the balcony of a residential building engulfed in flames in Tiberias on March 1, 2025. (credit: via MAARIV/SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Deputy Fire Chief Alex Brenner, who led the firefighting efforts, described the situation.

"We arrived to find the entire first floor ablaze, with reports of people trapped on the second floor. Firefighters launched an aggressive attack on the fire from inside while also using an aerial ladder from outside," Brenner said.

 A fire breaks out in a residential building in Tiberias, March 1, 2025. (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY NORTHERN DIVISION)
A fire breaks out in a residential building in Tiberias, March 1, 2025. (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY NORTHERN DIVISION)

He also highlighted the importance of fire safety measures.

Fire safety measures and early detection

"I want to emphasize the need for installing smoke detectors in buildings. These devices provide early warnings and can make the difference between life and death, allowing people to escape quickly before flames spread."

Medical teams at the scene treated 17 people, three of whom sustained moderate injuries, while the others suffered minor injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.