Highlights
The worst fire in Israel’s history showed little sign of abating Friday, and after two days the unchecked blaze had killed 42 people, consumed more than 7,000 acres and nipped at neighborhoods in the northern city of Haifa, Israel’s third largest.
The fire had also destroyed a large chunk of the Carmel Forest, one of Israel’s natural crown jewels and a popular tourist and vacation destination that is known as Little Switzerland because of its beauty.
By Friday, the flames had engulfed several kibbutzim and were racing down hills toward Israel’s heavily traveled coastal highway. At least 15,000 residents were evacuated.
In a country as small as Israel, where territory is at the heart of political conflict, every inch of land is especially precious. Nevertheless, Israel has neglected to invest in the equipment and personnel needed to effectively combat wildfires that have become pervasive in recent years amid unseasonably high temperatures and periods of drought.
This winter has been one of the hottest and driest on record.
Notes
Worst wildfire in history of Israel being driven by record temperatures and drought, #climate change #url#The source article Despite aid, Israel unable to check deadly wildfire was published December 4, 2010 by Washington Post .
