(Andrew Friedman/TPS) A raging fire near the town of Zichron Yaakov, south of Haifa, has forced the evacuation of at least three neighborhoods in the city. At least nine people, including a 10-day-old baby and three siblings of another family have been treated for smoke inhalation. Residents of other areas of the city have been told to remain indoors and to keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.

A police spokesman said that over 40 firefighter teams and a number of airplanes have deployed to the Zichron Yaakov area. Regional Police Commander Amos Yaakov arrived at the scene of the fire and has received a briefing from officials at the scene, including fire services, local government authorities, Magen David Adom and the IDF Home Front Command. Police and fire officials closed roads leading to the areas of Zichron Yaakov that have been evacuated.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with the mayor of Zichron Yaakov, Ziv Deshe, and urged him to do his utmost to save the lives of the residents and keep them away from the fire.