Daijiworld Media Network - Israel

Israel, Jan 11: A fire broke out in a basement-level apartment of an eight-storey residential building in Ramat Beit Shemesh on Saturday night, the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority said.

According to officials, the fire originated from an electrical cabinet, following which thick smoke began rising towards the upper floors of the building. Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving alerts and immediately initiated firefighting operations.

As a precautionary measure, residents were instructed to remain inside their apartments while the blaze was being tackled. The fire was successfully brought under control within a short time, after which firefighters carried out ventilation of the building to clear the smoke.

Residents were advised to avoid using the stairwell until the ventilation process was fully completed. No injuries were reported during the incident, authorities confirmed.

The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause and origin of the fire.