Every available firemen in the country has been called up to tackle the forest fire near the city of Haifa.

Specially equipped firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the UK are also assisting, after Israel's desperate plea for help.

At least 41 people have died in what is thought to be Israel's largest blaze.

Most of those killed in the blaze were prison guards travelling on a bus sent to help evacuate Damon prison. The bus was trapped in the inferno by a fallen tree in the Carmel mountains.

More than 17,000 people, including prison inmates, have been evacuated from the area.

Firefighting planes and helicopters from a number of countries were on their way, while flame-retardant materials were being flown in from France, Israeli officials said on December 3.

Israel has been experiencing a period of drought, suffering its driest November in 60 years.