Firefighting teams have halted the spread of a fire that erupted in a valley near Jerusalem, the Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed on Friday morning.
Staff-Sergeant-Major Benjamin Schindler, fire investigator at the Samaria Regional Station, said that he found several ignition points near Nablus, indicating that an arsonist sparked the fires.
"After completing firefighting operations, I began an investigation at the scene, during which, I found several ignition points at some distance from each other in the direction of Kafr Kallil toward Mount Gerizim.
"Due to the topography and wind conditions, the flames climbed up the mountain, and two fire centers developed. Firefighters succeeded in gaining control of the fire in both areas."
Earlier, the Fire and Rescue Authority said that the fire was "advancing rapidly and endangering nearby houses, as well as the walking and biking trails in the area."
Stopping the spread of the fire
At least 10 fire and rescue teams were dispatched, with four firefighting aircraft in assistance to get the fire under control.