A massive industrial fire encompassing two factories in Sderot—belonging to Strauss and Tapugan—prompted widespread emergency responses on Monday morning, including initial fears of an ammonia leak that authorities later ruled out. According to the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, rescue forces rushed to the scene where 53 fire crews ultimately worked to control the flames, backed by reports that two planes were dispatched to help. Two firefighters and one bystander sustained light injuries during the incident.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures in Sderot
Emergency crews mobilized heavily as the situation escalated. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority stated that 13 fire crews initially worked at the scene with assistance from forces coming from other districts. Later updates confirmed that the response grew to 53 crews operating alongside two deployed firefighting planes. In tandem with the firefighting efforts, Israel Police forces blocked roads and directed traffic to protect the public, according to police announcements.
Public safety precautions extended to local infrastructure and nearby residents. The Sderot municipality instructed individuals living in the adjacent neighborhood to remain indoors and keep their windows shut. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Ministry confirmed that no risk of a hazardous chemical leak existed, noting its ongoing contact with rescue forces at the location. Transport also faced disruptions, as Israel Railways stated that trains would not be stopping at the Sderot train station due to the fires.
Factory Impacts and Operational Status
The industrial blaze affected multiple sites after starting on Sunday afternoon. According to Ynet, the fire was not fully extinguished at the time and returned on Monday morning significantly larger than before. The incident impacted a warehouse complex in the Shaar Negev industrial area near Sderot, which houses a Strauss salty snack warehouse.
A Strauss spokesperson addressed the company’s operational standing, stating, “A fire broke out in a warehouse complex in the Shaar Negev industrial area near Sderot, where the Strauss salty snack warehouse is also located.” The spokesperson added that the warehouse was evacuated with no injuries and no hazardous materials present, emphasizing that the salty snack factory sits far from the fire area. “Production is continuing as usual at this time, so no shortage of products is expected,” the spokesperson noted. Strauss, which is also known as Strauss-Elite, ranks as one of Israel’s largest food companies, while Tapugan operates as a manufacturer of frozen potato products.