CAIRO, Oct 7 , 2018(MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli said on Sunday there is full coordination among all ministries and bodies concerned over the huge fire that hit palm tree farmlands in New Valley governorate on Friday. He lauded cooperation of the Armed Forces that immediately sent four fire-fighting helicopters to put out the fire, according to a statement by the media office of the cabinet. The fire gutted 100 feddans planted with palm trees in Al Rasheda village as high winds helped the fire to spread quickly till it reached nearby houses. Eighteen fire engines and 18 water trucks took part in extinguishing the fire. A state of emergency was declared in the village as all houses were evacuated to avoid casualties. Fire was controlled after 16 hours. Twenty ambulances rushed to the scene and a state of emergency was declared at all hospitals, the health minister said. A field hospital was also set up on the scene to provide necessary medical care to the wounded, she added. The fire caused no deaths but injuries were estimated at 37, mostly suffering from smoke inhalation. Seven firefighters and civil defence personnel were among the injured. The local development and environment ministers visited the village and inquired after the health of residents. They ordered the authorities concerned to pinpoint the reason of the fire and survey the number of villagers who were harmed by the fire to pay necessary compensations. Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Walli allocated two million pounds for this purpose.
