Nine rescued as firefighters respond to Jerusalem fire caused by electric scooter battery

Nine people were rescued by firefighters after a fire broke out in a building on Jerusalem's Meir Avner Street on Thursday, the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority said.

According to the authority, the fire, which began in the building's shelter, was sparked by an electric scooter battery.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, search for more trapped residents, and ventilate the five-story building.

Battalion commander: Firefighters operating under 'complex conditions'

"Firefighters are operating under complex conditions, amidst heavy smoke and inside a residential building, while striving to save lives quickly," said Battalion Commander Adi Mor. "Thanks to the professional and determined actions of the crews, nine trapped individuals were rescued from the building without injury."

Mor added that firefighting teams "remain on-site to complete the searches and clear the smoke."

The fire follows the September evacuation of Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon Railway Station after smoke reports prompted an emergency response.

The railway station was searched by firefighters, who determined that there was no danger, according to the Jerusalem District of Israel Fire and Rescue Services.