A large fire broke out on Monday in Sderot’s industrial complex and spread to two factories in the area, with firefighters on the scene attempting to control the blaze, first responders said.

Authorities hurried to evacuate civilians from the area after the Fire and Rescue Service announced it had discovered what it believed to be an ammonia leak in one of the factories, but officials later ruled out the possibility.

The Sderot Municipality told residents of the nearby Music Neighborhood to remain indoors and close their windows

Twenty-five firefighting squads were working in the southern city to extinguish the blazes and prevent them from reaching facilities that do contain hazardous materials.

By midday, the fire had affected two factories belonging to the Strauss and Tapugan food manufacturers.

Strauss said in a statement that its facility, which includes storage for its salted snacks, was evacuated and none of its staff were injured.

ענן עשן עצום מכסה את שמי שדרות........

© The Times of Israel