A hazardous materials leak at the Ramat Negev thermosolar power station near Ashalim is now under control, following extensive emergency operations.

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF JULY 25, 2025

Fire and Rescue Services reported on Wednesday that a hazardous materials leak at the Ramat Negev thermosolar power station near Ashalim is now under control, following extensive emergency operations.

According to a statement from the Southern District spokesperson, hazardous materials (HazMat) teams successfully stabilized the scene by draining thermal oil from the power station’s pipelines into dedicated containment tanks. Cooling efforts on the facility’s transmission lines also remain underway to ensure full resolution of the incident.

“There is no immediate danger to the public,” the spokesperson said, “but the directive for residents in nearby communities to remain indoors remains in effect until further notice, as a precautionary measure.”

The leak was initially caused by the release of thermal oil, which emitted hazardous gases into the air. In response, firefighting and HazMat units from the Be’er Sheva station were deployed to the scene. Residents in surrounding areas were instructed to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.

“Firefighters are operating in coordination with environmental and emergency authorities to contain the leak and neutralize any remaining threat,” said Shirel Ben David, spokesperson for Fire and Rescue Services – Southern District. “The public is urged to follow official guidance and obtain updates only from verified sources.”

In a separate incident, firefighting teams from the Ashdod Regional Station responded on Wednesday to a large fire that broke out at an open waste disposal site in the northern industrial zone of Ashdod (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)
In a separate incident, firefighting teams from the Ashdod Regional Station responded on Wednesday to a large fire that broke out at an open waste disposal site in the northern industrial zone of Ashdod (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE)

Crews are working to prevent the spread of the fire using containment lines and heavy engineering equipment to disperse, cover, and remove flammable materials. Thick smoke has been observed rising from the site.

“Operations are expected to continue for several more hours until full containment is achieved,” said Yarin Azulai, spokesperson for Fire and Rescue Services – Ashdod Regional Station.

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