3:16PM IL: A fire in Zichron Yaakov continues to rage out of control with fire spokespersons reporting at least five persons injured from smoke inhalation.

As a result of the fire there are road closures in the area including Route 70 from Zichron to Sheiya Junction; Route 4 from Zichron Yaakov Junction to Furdis in both directions and Route 652 from Kikar Zikaron to the entrance of Zichron.

MDA spokesman Zaki Heller reports extreme weather condition has made the firefighting efforts worse and MDA has elevated its operational standby level to 3, one down from the highest for the Sharon area. Other districts remain at level 2.

Fire Department officials have moved personnel to 12 hour shifts in light of the high winds and difficult firefighting conditions.

At present ground and aerial forces are working to contain the blaze.

3:31PM IL: United Hatzalah is reporting a total of at least ten persons injured from smoke inhalation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group, United Hatzalah Spokesman Unit & MDA Spokesman Unit)

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)