Family escapes fire in Gush Etzion

A mother and her children narrowly escaped a fire that engulfed their home Monday morning in Pnei Kedem, a settlement in the Gush Etzion region of the West Bank, fire officials said.

The blaze, which started in the living room, was caused by an electric heater placed near a laundry drying rack, according to fire investigators. The family managed to evacuate moments before the flames spread through their mobile home.

"The timing was critical," said Fire Investigator Master Sergeant Yaniv Shriki. "If the mother and children had not acted quickly, the outcome could have been tragic." Shriki noted that while the fire spread to the adjacent master bedroom, fortunately no one had slept there the previous night.

Fire and Rescue teams from the Judea Region station responded to the emergency call. "Upon arrival, we found the mobile home engulfed in flames with the family safely outside," said Fire Officer Kfir Davino, who led the response team.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Fire officials used the opportunity to remind residents about heating safety during winter months, particularly regarding the placement of portable heaters near flammable materials.

Arutz Sheva contributed to this article.