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Ein Hod after rain
Photo: Mati Almaliach

Officials mull fire probe options

In aftermath of largest blaze in Israeli history, State Comptroller announces severe report will be published on gov't neglect, Knesset to debate state committee to probe failures. Meanwhile Haifa police chief's condition worsens

The aftermath of the largest fire in Israel's history was set to begin Monday, after the State Comptroller's Office announced it would publish a severe report on the long-lasting neglect of firefighters by the State.

 

The Knesset is also set to debate the matter in a special hearing Monday morning. The question of how to investigate one of the worst natural disasters in state history will apparently be decided by an official investigating committee, which only a small number of MKs have the authority to establish.

 

A Ynet survey revealed that three of the 11 committee members are opposed to a state committee on the failures of previous and current governments in the matter of firefighting. The rest say they will consider it in light of the comptroller's report.

 

Meanwhile Rambam Hospital announced that Haifa Police Chief Ahuva Tomer's condition has worsened since she was brought in four days ago, suffering from severe burns sustained during the fire.

 

Earlier Monday Tomer's superior reported on her condition and said she was fighting for her life.

 

Forces succeeded in quelling the flames overnight Sunday, during which firefighters battled three separate fires. At around 4 am they received outside help in the form of rain.

 

"This morning's great news allows us all a smile," Deputy Police Inspector Roni Atiya said as he began a briefing, referring to the rain that fell before dawn.

 

"During the night and morning we evaluated the situation," he continued at the Haifa operation command post. "We decided to continue current all-out efforts. I ask all civilians who want to come (to the area) from curiosity or other reasons to refrain from doing so, because it hinders our work."

 

Reshef Boaz Rakia, speaking on behalf of the command headquarters, said the rain had not stopped firefighting efforts. He thanked all those who had come from abroad to assist and promised, "We are not tired, we are strong and determined. We will not give up, we will win."

 

"We must learn from the events," he said in response to a question from Ynet. "It is always possible to improve. Right now there is an evaluation underway, to decide if further air coverage is required."

 

However, the rain could also cause difficulties, professionals said Monday morning.

 

"Heavy rains are not what we need," Salaman Abu Rukun, Ussifiya resident and PR manager at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said to Ynet before the final fires were extinguished. "If heavy rains fall, it could cause landslides, pushing away important vegetation and undermining nature's own rehabilitation capabilities."

 

In addition, choppers charged with the task of reporting on "hot spots" – areas where the ground is still hot and a fire may rekindle – will not be able to take off until the skies clear.

 

Ronen Medzini contributed to this report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.06.10, 08:04
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