Massive wildfires raging west of Jerusalem forced the evacuation of at least six communities on Wednesday and shut down key highways, including the main Route 1 linking Tel Aviv and the capital, as Israel grappled with what officials have called a “national emergency”, reports CNN.
Blown by high winds and dry weather, the fires broke out near the town of Neve Shalom, about 15 miles from Jerusalem, and quickly spread across multiple fronts. Thick plumes of smoke blanketed the area, reducing visibility and prompting authorities to close several roads. The blaze struck on Israel’s Memorial Day, compounding the emotional strain on a day of national remembrance. Social media footage showed dramatic scenes of flames licking the edge of packed highways and people walking on Route 1 amid dense smoke. Eyewitness videos captured cars stopped on the road as flames roared alongside as reported by CNN.
Défense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Wednesday that Israel was facing “a time of national emergency,” calling for the mobilisation of all available forces to bring the fires under control. He also confirmed that Israel had reached out to the international community for firefighting assistance. According to Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services, around 120 firefighting teams, supported by 12 aircraft and helicopters, are working around the clock to contain the fires. The emergency response has been complicated by shifting winds and dry forest conditions. At least seven people have been treated at Shamir Medical Center for smoke inhalation and related injuries. One is reported to be in moderate condition, while the others are in mild condition.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the fires could worsen if weather conditions persist. The current outbreak is occurring in roughly the same area as a major blaze that broke out just last week, raising concerns about recurring vulnerabilities in the region’s fire preparedness. As emergency services race against time, residents across central Israel remain on high alert.
