Industrial fire breaks out near ADAMA facility in Israel
Iain Hoey
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Fire at southern Israel industrial site
A fire broke out at an industrial area in southern Israel on Sunday after a missile attack, with ADAMA saying its Makhteshim plant was hit either by an Iranian missile or debris from an intercepted missile.
Reuters reported that no injuries were reported and the extent of any damage to the plant was not immediately known.
ADAMA, a maker of active ingredients and crop protection materials, said the site affected was its Makhteshim plant in southern Israel.
The company is part of Chinese-owned Syngenta Group.
Israel’s fire and rescue service said the fire broke out in an industrial area in southern Israel that houses several chemical manufacturing and industrial plants.
It said the cause was likely debris from a missile that was intercepted.
Public warning issued near Ne’ot Hovav
According to Reuters, Israel’s fire and rescue service urged the public to stay away from the Ne’ot Hovav industrial area due to the presence of “hazardous materials” as 34 firefighting crews worked to contain the blaze.
It said there was no danger to the public beyond a distance of 800 meters from the industrial area.
The service said: “Residents in the vicinity are instructed to remain indoors, close windows and ventilation openings, and follow the instructions of security and emergency forces until full control of the incident is achieved.”
Video and images released by the service showed a large ball of fire and heavy black smoke as firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading.
Ne’ot Hovav is located about 13 km (8 miles) from Beer Sheva, the largest city in southern Israel.
There are several Israeli military bases located in the area.
Missile launches reported earlier
Reuters said the Israeli military had earlier detected missiles launched from Iran in multiple waves on Sunday.
Until the fire in the south, there had been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.