Wildfires in Israel Prompt Evacuations, Road Closures During Memorial Day
Wildfires ignited by extreme heat and winds erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of nearby communities and the closure of a major highway as Israel observed Memorial Day, a time when many citizens visit gravesites....
TroibNews 
Wildfires ignited by extreme heat and winds erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of nearby communities and the closure of a major highway as Israel observed Memorial Day, a time when many citizens visit gravesites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the situation as a "national emergency."
The primary Route 1 highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv was shut down near the fire-affected area, and authorities reported that three communities had been evacuated.
"Based on assessments of the fire's spread, the district commander has instructed teams to prepare for the potential evacuation of additional communities, including deploying buses in case they are needed," the police said in a statement.
Television footage depicted flames along the highway, with individuals abandoning their vehicles and fleeing from the fires.
Israel's Fire and Rescue service announced on Tuesday that, due to extreme conditions elevating the risk of fire spread, it had prohibited the lighting of bonfires until May 7.
As Israel's 77th Independence Day approaches, beginning Thursday night, there is a tradition of building bonfires and hosting barbecues. The rescue service emphasized that barbecues should only be permitted in designated areas.
Reports from Israeli media indicated that 120 fire and rescue personnel had mobilized numerous firefighting teams, aircraft, and helicopters to combat the blazes. They also noted that 12 people sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and that Israel has sought assistance from at least five countries—Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus.
The military's chief of staff confirmed that he had directed Home Front Command, the Air Force, and all Israel Defense Forces units to assist as necessary to support police and fire services.
Search and Rescue units from the IDF Search and Rescue Brigade and Air Force fire trucks have been engaged in efforts to extinguish the fires in the Jerusalem Hills and aid in evacuating residents.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the situation as a "national emergency."
The primary Route 1 highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv was shut down near the fire-affected area, and authorities reported that three communities had been evacuated.
"Based on assessments of the fire's spread, the district commander has instructed teams to prepare for the potential evacuation of additional communities, including deploying buses in case they are needed," the police said in a statement.
Television footage depicted flames along the highway, with individuals abandoning their vehicles and fleeing from the fires.
Israel's Fire and Rescue service announced on Tuesday that, due to extreme conditions elevating the risk of fire spread, it had prohibited the lighting of bonfires until May 7.
As Israel's 77th Independence Day approaches, beginning Thursday night, there is a tradition of building bonfires and hosting barbecues. The rescue service emphasized that barbecues should only be permitted in designated areas.
Reports from Israeli media indicated that 120 fire and rescue personnel had mobilized numerous firefighting teams, aircraft, and helicopters to combat the blazes. They also noted that 12 people sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and that Israel has sought assistance from at least five countries—Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus.
The military's chief of staff confirmed that he had directed Home Front Command, the Air Force, and all Israel Defense Forces units to assist as necessary to support police and fire services.
Search and Rescue units from the IDF Search and Rescue Brigade and Air Force fire trucks have been engaged in efforts to extinguish the fires in the Jerusalem Hills and aid in evacuating residents.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
