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Children and babies were among the 15 people dramatically rescued in Beersheba early Wednesday morning after a series of suspected arson attacks ignited fires in multiple residential buildings across the southern Israeli city.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority said the coordinated blazes broke out shortly after midnight, prompting dozens of emergency calls from frightened residents trapped in their homes as thick smoke filled stairwells, lobbies, and shelters.
A 16-year-old Jewish minor was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of involvement in the attacks. Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional suspects have not been ruled out.
Fire crews responding to the scene described chaotic moments as flames engulfed entryways and electrical cabinets, cutting off escape routes for families still inside the buildings.
Many residents were forced to shelter behind closed doors until firefighters could reach them, while others leaned out of windows screaming for help as smoke rose from the lower floors.
Authorities confirmed that nine residential buildings were targeted across different neighborhoods. The fires erupted on Aliyah Street, Derech Shimshon Street, Rabbi Uziel Street, Tabenkin Street, Tel Hai Street, Derech Hameshachrerim, Hogla Street, Moriah Street, and Radak Square.
According to the Fire and Rescue Authority, residents trapped by the advancing flames received rapid instructions from first responders.
Firefighters told them to seal themselves in interior rooms, place wet rags along door frames and windowsills, and avoid inhaling smoke until they could be evacuated.
Teams equipped with breathing gear swept through the buildings as they extinguished flames in ground-level lobbies and storage areas, where some of the fires are believed to have started.
Rescue crews carried several children and babies out of smoke-filled apartments, while paramedics treated the victims for smoke inhalation and stress.
All 15 rescued residents were transported to medical centers for further care.
Authorities said none of the injuries were life-threatening, though several individuals suffered moderate effects from smoke exposure.
Beersheba residents described a terrifying night that began with the smell of smoke and the sound of sirens echoing across the city. Some said they initially believed the fires were accidental until word spread that multiple buildings had ignited almost simultaneously.
“When we realized the fire wasn’t just in our building, but in many places at once, we understood something was wrong,” said one resident from Derech Shimshon Street.
“We were scared, especially for the children. The firefighters saved our lives.”
Officials say the scale and timing of the fires strongly suggest deliberate arson.
Fire investigators spent Wednesday morning examining electrical cabinets, basement shelters, and building entrances for accelerants or ignition devices.
Police have launched a parallel investigation after the arrest of the 16-year-old suspect.
Authorities have not revealed whether they believe the teen acted alone or what the possible motive might be.
The Fire and Rescue Authority praised the swift response of firefighters who prevented the blazes from spreading upward through the buildings. “Had our teams not arrived within minutes, the situation could have been far worse,” a spokesperson said.
Local officials have urged residents to remain alert but reassured the public that additional patrols and security measures have been deployed across Beersheba. The city council said support services are available for affected families, including temporary accommodation and psychological assistance.
As investigators continue their work, residents are left grappling with the shock of what authorities say could be one of the most serious arson incidents in the city in recent years.
For many, the narrow escape—particularly for the youngest victims—has underscored the vulnerability of apartment buildings to such attacks.
Police are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, firefighters have renewed calls for building inspections and the installation of smoke alarms and emergency lighting, which can be lifesaving in situations where visibility is blocked by thick smoke.
The cause and motive behind the series of fires remain under active investigation.