Strong smell of burning and smoke cloud reported in Hadera and Emek Hefer

In depth

Residents of Hadera and Emek Hefer complained from overnight hours of a strong burning smell and heavy smoke felt in the area. Recordings show a smoke cloud covering the area.

The Emek Hefer Regional Council said the source of the nuisance was an intensive wave of fires that occurred beyond the seam line, and that the smoke reached the council's communities and the city of Hadera. The council instructed residents to close windows and doors and to remain indoors until further notice.

The Hadera municipality said it had received reports of an unusual and strong smell, and that teams are examining its source together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection. At this time it is not clear whether there are hazardous substances in the air.