A large fire broke out at a waste site in Aspia – 20 fire crews on site

(Haipo) – A large fire broke out at the waste site in Aspia, with fire and rescue forces from the Coastal District being rushed to the scene following numerous reports received by the 102 hotline of flames and thick black smoke visible for a long distance from the site. At this stage, 20 fire crews are working on the site and additional forces are on their way.

Update for 21:50:

Fire and Rescue: Residents in the western neighborhood were instructed to stay indoors. 20 fire crews continue to operate in the area and battle flames and smoke. At this stage, there is no danger to residents in the area, and given the size of the fire, firefighting efforts are expected to continue for several more hours. However, in a joint assessment of the situation by all parties, and for the safety and health of the residents, it was decided that residents of the western neighborhood of the village will stay indoors.

The police told Hai Pa News Corporation:

Roadblocks following treatment of a fire incident at a waste site in Uspia.

Following the fire that broke out in recent hours, Carmel police are blocking and directing traffic in the area.

Below are the traffic arrangements and instructions for the public:

• Damon Square is hermetically closed to traffic.
• Al-Jood Square in Usfiya is hermetically closed to traffic.
• Abba Khushi Road is closed to traffic towards Damon Square.
• Following the traffic blockages, the public wishing to reach Usafia is asked to enter the village from the direction of Elyakim, via Dalit al-Karmel.
• Residents of the western neighborhood of Usfiya are asked to avoid going towards the scene of the incident and to leave the access roads clear for the forces' activities.

The public is asked to avoid reaching the fire area, to obey the instructions of the security and rescue forces, and to use navigation apps to choose alternative routes, in order to keep traffic lanes clear and allow the forces to operate safely and efficiently.

A special police unit was established under the leadership of the Haifa station commander – dozens of forces are working on site.

Due to the scale of the event, a front command room (FCC) was established, headed by the commander of the Haifa station, with 20 fire and rescue teams already on the scene and additional forces on their way to the scene. Firefighters are working against flames and heavy smoke prevailing in the area, with the aim of controlling the fire and preventing it from spreading to Carmel Park and nearby neighborhoods. This is a significant event that requires extensive mobilization of resources in order to deal with the scale of the flames and heavy smoke at the waste site.

Calling the public to stay away from the area

Israel Fire and Rescue is calling on the public to avoid the area of ​​the incident and to leave traffic lanes clear for the forces to operate at the scene. The call comes in light of the thick black smoke visible for a long distance from the waste site, which could pose a health hazard and make it difficult for vehicles to move around the area. The forces are continuing to operate at full capacity, and additional updates are expected to be published later as the situation becomes clearer and the firefighting operations progress.

Following the fire currently occurring at the Asafia landfill, the Citizens for Clean Air organization reported:"The large fire at the Aspia landfill is another reminder that waste fires are a real threat to public health. Instead of continuing to put out fires, the state must address the root of the problem: monitor waste sites, ensure advanced waste treatment, and effectively enforce the law. In preparation for the elections, the parties and candidates must present to the public how they intend to deal with the waste crisis and deal with the waste fires that harm every resident of Israel."