Fire Commissioner: 'Authorities did not make all necessary preparations for the wave of fires'

Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Eyal Caspi, said in an interview with Kan News that there has been an increase of nearly 10% in the number of fires since the beginning of the season, and that fires are lasting longer. He blamed local authorities and KKL-JNF for not carrying out the required preparations due to the security situation, but noted that they are led by responsible people. Caspi warned of expected heat waves and the commissioner's order prohibiting the lighting of fires, and emphasized the importance of prevention.

Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Eyal Caspi, said today (Tuesday) in an interview with the program "BaChatzot Hayom" on Kan News on Reshet Bet that there is an upward trend of nearly 10% in the number of fires since the beginning of the season, and that fires are lasting longer than in previous years. In response to a question about cooperation with KKL-JNF and local authorities, he replied that "the short answer is no," and that the reasons stem from the security situation that has harmed their ability to protect open areas and forests. However, he noted that these bodies are led by responsible people who understand the gaps, and that they work together daily to reduce them. Ahead of the expected heat waves this week, Caspi reminded that a commissioner's order is in effect until the end of the month prohibiting the lighting of fires, and that grilling is only allowed in places approved by forest owners, such as KKL-JNF and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. He emphasized that anyone who does not comply with the order commits a criminal offense, and called on the public to be careful and engage in prevention.