Molotov cocktails were found at the scene of Sunday’s huge fire outside Jerusalem, causing investigators to conclude that it was the work of arsonists.  

The massive blaze in Jerusalem on Sunday that consumed property and 74 acres of natural forest was ignited by arsonists, Israeli authorities announced on Monday.

IDF Radio reported that investigators found two bottles that contained flammable material used to start the fire near the town of Even Sapir on the outskirts of the capital.

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Several homes and structures were damaged by the flames.

No residents were hurt. However, four firefighters were hospitalized for burns, smoke inhalation and other wounds sustained during the eight-hour battle to contain the fire.

Several rescue units were called in from firehouses around the country, while planes fought the blaze from up high.

Roads in the area were closed down periodically, and residents of some of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods were ordered to stay indoors because of the heavy air pollution.

A plane fighting the fires in the Jerusalem area fire. (Yoav Ari Dudkevitch/Flash90)

Israel is in the midst of a record-breaking heat wave, and the heat, dryness and strong winds caused the flames to spread quickly. The arsonists, it is assumed, took advantage of the harsh weather.

Terror by Fire

The Jerusalem area has experienced several fires in recent weeks, and new blazes raged on Monday in various areas in the vicinity.

Terror by fire is a well-known phenomenon in Israel, as terrorists utilize the hot and dry summer weather to cause damage, destroy property and endanger lives.

By: Max Gelber, United with Israel