Israeli heat wave triggers wildfires

JERUSALEM, April 14 (UPI) -- Emergency officials in Israel have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of hikers from wilderness areas plagued by an outbreak of wildfires, firefighters said.

A stifling heat wave has sparked a rash of fires in the Golan Heights and Beit Shemesh areas, including popular hiking trails in the Carmela forest.

Firefighters told Ynetnews.com Monday about 300 people were ordered out of the forest, some of who required medical assistance for exhaustion.

Police personnel and air tankers were pitching in to help fire crews battle the fires.