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3 December 2010
Last updated at 14:25 ET
A massive fire is raging in northern Israel for a second day, with firefighters admitting that so far they have failed to contain the blaze.
Every available firemen in the country has been called up to tackle the forest fire near the city of Haifa.
Specially equipped firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the UK are also assisting, after Israel's desperate plea for help.
At least 41 people have died in what is thought to be Israel's largest blaze.
Most of those killed in the blaze were prison guards travelling on a bus sent to help evacuate Damon prison. The bus was trapped in the inferno by a fallen tree in the Carmel mountains.
More than 17,000 people, including prison inmates, have been evacuated from the area.
Firefighting planes and helicopters from a number of countries were on their way, while flame-retardant materials were being flown in from France, Israeli officials said on Friday.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he hoped the fire could be contained by Saturday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the blaze as an "unprecedented disaster".
Israeli media have criticised the government's lack of readiness.
The fire broke out about midday (1000 GMT) on Thursday. It is believed to have started in an illegal landfill site, investigators said, although it was not clear if it was accidental or deliberate.
Israel has been experiencing a period of drought, suffering its driest November in 60 years.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the forest fire? Send us your eyewitness accounts using the form below
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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Every available firemen in the country has been called up to tackle the forest fire near the city of Haifa.
Specially equipped firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the UK are also assisting, after Israel's desperate plea for help.
At least 41 people have died in what is thought to be Israel's largest blaze.
Most of those killed in the blaze were prison guards travelling on a bus sent to help evacuate Damon prison. The bus was trapped in the inferno by a fallen tree in the Carmel mountains.
More than 17,000 people, including prison inmates, have been evacuated from the area.
Firefighting planes and helicopters from a number of countries were on their way, while flame-retardant materials were being flown in from France, Israeli officials said on Friday.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he hoped the fire could be contained by Saturday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the blaze as an "unprecedented disaster".
Israeli media have criticised the government's lack of readiness.
The fire broke out about midday (1000 GMT) on Thursday. It is believed to have started in an illegal landfill site, investigators said, although it was not clear if it was accidental or deliberate.
Israel has been experiencing a period of drought, suffering its driest November in 60 years.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the forest fire? Send us your eyewitness accounts using the form below
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
Powered by WizardRSS | Best Membership Site Software