Wildfires near Jerusalem force evacuations, cancel ceremonies
On Wednesday, west of Jerusalem, forest fires broke out, forcing the evacuation of several nearby towns. The highway to Tel Aviv and the railway were closed. The firefighting operation involves 12 planes and 150 fire crews.
What do you need to know?
- Where and when did the fires break out? The forest fires started on Wednesday, west of Jerusalem, near the town of Eshtaol.
- What actions have been taken? Several towns were evacuated; the highway and railway were closed, and 12 planes along with 150 fire crews were dispatched to manage the situation.
- What are the consequences of the fires? Twelve people, including two children, were slightly injured.
Which towns were evacuated?
The forest fires near Jerusalem forced the evacuation of residents from several towns, including Neve Shalom, Bekoa, Taoz, and Naharshon. The fire also threatens the suburbs of Beit Shemesh, a city with tens of thousands of residents. Several landscape parks and the Trappist monastery in Latrun were also closed.
What actions have been taken in fighting the fire?
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to battle the fires. Firefighters from across the country are participating in the operation.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar appealed for help from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy. Three firefighting planes from Italy and Croatia are already on their way to Israel.
What are the further consequences of the fires?
Due to the fires, the torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl, which symbolizes the transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day, was canceled. In many cities, including Tel Aviv, ceremonies dedicated to fallen soldiers and Independence Day were canceled.
The fires have resulted in 12 people, including two children, being slightly injured. Nearby hospitals have switched to readiness mode to provide assistance to potential victims and are asking those with other ailments to seek help at different facilities for the time being.
Firefighters are also battling fires in other parts of Israel, including the north. Due to another fire, the city of Elad, located west of Tel Aviv, was partially evacuated.
Previous large forest fires around Jerusalem broke out last week, and the media reported that they were the largest in years.
