Jerusalem, Jul 26, 2019 / 13:37 pm
A forest fire in the northern region of Israel is threatening the Basilica of the Transfiguration of Christ, according to local reports.
The flames sprang up late Thursday at the foot of the wooded Mount Tabor, where the transfiguration of Christ is believed to have taken place.
Over the past week, dry conditions and heavy winds have made conditions ripe for fires throughout the country. The police do not know the exact cause of the blaze, but they do not suspect arson.
"An additional front of the fire is at the moment advancing toward the church," said Dudi Peretz, a spokesman for the fire department, according to Agence France-Presse.