A video grab shows fireworks erupting at a fireworks warehouse in Porat, Israel March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Amit Zigdon Handout via REUTERS TV

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Two people were killed and five injured in a blaze at a fireworks warehouse in central Israel on Tuesday, police said.

Video footage showed a series of furious explosions as thousands of fireworks erupted in rapid succession.

The roof of the warehouse was ripped off and nearby buildings were damaged in Porat, an agricultural community near Netanya, a city on the Mediterranean north of Tel Aviv.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that of the five injured, one was in serious condition. Forensic units were scouring the area for evidence of how the blaze began, he said.</s>Two people were killed and five injured in a blaze at a fireworks warehouse in central Israel on Tuesday, police said.

Video footage showed a series of furious explosions as thousands of fireworks erupted in rapid succession.

The roof of the warehouse was ripped off and nearby buildings were damaged in Porat, an agricultural community near Netanya, a city on the Mediterranean north of Tel Aviv.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that of the five injured, one was in serious condition. Forensic units were scouring the area for evidence of how the blaze began, he said.</s>A fireworks warehouse in northern Israel went up in flames on Tuesday, killing two people, injuring at least two more and setting off a series of loud explosions, authorities said.

Firefighters worked to douse the large fire at the structure around Porat, a village near the coastal city of Netanya, while evacuating residents and preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby homes.

Police said two bodies were recovered from the warehouse and an investigation into the fire was continuing.

A fire service spokesman called it "a very big fire, including explosions and fireworks being shot into the air".

Medics also took a 50-year-old man suffering burn wounds to hospital in serious condition, while at least one other person was less seriously hurt.

Authorities had initially spoken of seven injured.

Images distributed by police showed thick black smoke billowing, as fireworks exploded in the sky behind.

Police closed off the area and sent emergency units to the scene.</s>Two people were killed and five injured in a blaze at a fireworks warehouse in Israel on Tuesday (14 March).

Extraordinary footage posted online showed the large cache of fireworks going off in rapid succession, with the building's roof ripped off as a result of the blasts.

The ferocity of the flames, and effect of secondary explosions, also caused damage to neighbouring buildings and houses.

Firefighters were deployed to the scene, in the agricultural town of Porat, north of Tel Aviv, at about 11am local time.

The area was subsequently evacuated as rescuers attempted to find several people reportedly trapped inside the building.

"After a few minutes, the building completely collapsed," said Roi Solomon, a volunteer with the emergency response team ZAKA.

"ZAKA volunteers helped firefighters and MDA [Magen David Adom] rescue those who were trapped. Unfortunately, two of the factory workers were found killed."

The two fatalities were identified as Anas Abu Abed, 17, and Amir Takrouri, 24, of Qalansawe, the Times of Israel reported.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that of the five injured, one was in serious condition.

It was not immediately clear how the fire started.

The warehouse was reportedly operating as an illegal storage for fireworks, lacking a business license or permit from the fire department.

The warehouse manager was detained by police for questioning.</s>Goodshoot/Thinkstock(JERUSALEM) — At least two people are dead after a fire broke out at a fireworks warehouse in central Israel Tuesday, according to Israeli police.

The blaze in the town of Porat spurred several explosions. Five others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld tweeted.

Rosenfeld added that the situation is now under control.</s>Video footage from the scene showed the dramatic moment as thousands of fireworks erupted in rapid succession. Two locals aged 17 and 24 were killed in the blast, while two more were hospitalised. The roof of the warehouse was ripped off amid the flurry of explosions and nearby buildings were damaged in Porat, an agricultural community near Netanya.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that of the five injured, one was in serious condition. Forensic units are scouring the area for evidence in a bid to understand how the blaze began and to search for others who may have been trapped at the scene. It comes as Britain is ready to send a member of the Royal Family on a first official visit to Israel later this year after decades of snubbing invitations.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is understood to be keen for a royal visit to take place to mark the centenary of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, when Britain signalled its support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in what was then Ottoman-ruled Palestine. Israel's President Reuven Rivlin extended the invitation for a royal visit during a meeting with Mr Johnson in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Theresa May has already invited Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Britain to mark the centenary of the then foreign secretary Arthur Balfour's support for a Jewish homeland.

At his meeting with Mr Johnson this week, President Rivlin said: "This is a very important year in the history of the relations between Israel and the United Kingdom. "We will mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration and I am greatly honoured to extend an official invitation to the Royal Family to visit Israel to mark this event."</s>Two men were killed when a fire broke out at a fireworks storage facility in central Israel on Tuesday.</s>Multiple people were injured when a fire started in a fireworks factory in Porat, Israel.In a video captured by a nearby witness, multiple explosions could be seen and heard coming from the factory. Firefighters arrived and said that fireworks could still be heard exploding as they extinguished the flames. There is still no word on what could have caused the fire.</s>SALT LAKE CITY – Fire crews battled a blaze at a warehouse that used to be a club in Salt Lake City overnight.

Firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire on 2100 S. just east of 300 W. at about 1 a.m.

They arrived to find smoke and flames coming out of the warehouse.

Fire officials said they initially made a limited search of the building to make sure no one was inside but then had to change tactics for their own safety.

Fire investigators say it seems the fire may have involved two buildings that could be connected but they are not sure.

Authorities say about 30 firefighters helped battle the flames.

Firefighters are investigating what sparked the blaze.

Check back with Fox 13 for the latest updates.</s>MILWAUKEE — Bartolotta Fireworks is closing, and will become part of Wolverine Fireworks.

The below statement was issued to FOX6 News on Tuesday night, March 14th by Jeff Bartolotta.

“As co-owner and President of Bartolotta Fireworks, I want to first thank you for your continued business and loyalty over the years. Together we have created years of “New Family Traditions” throughout the Midwest. You have become an extension of our family having been there through joy and sorrow over the years. Together we’ve surprised you with the child-like spontaneity of Art in the Sky, and you’ve surprised us with your support, loyalty and even your prayers.

It comes with great sadness that I have to inform you Bartolotta Fireworks (as it stands) is closing. I am, however, very excited to announce that Bartolotta Fireworks is becoming Wolverine Fireworks. As the largest distributor of firework products, Wolverine Fireworks has long been a valued friend and colleague of the industry.

Moving forward, I will remain your contact for your Wolverine Fireworks displays. It is important to note that business will continue to operate with the same level of professionalism and safety as it has for the last 39 years. I will personally ensure that as valued customers, your needs are not just met, they’re exceeded.

I love fireworks and look forward to continuing to entertain and work with all of you. Thank you again for your loyalty and support.”
A blaze at a fireworks warehouse near Netanya, central Israel, kills two people and injures five others.