Jerusalem Wildfires: Firefighting Teams Battling Massive Blaze Across 11 Fronts
A major wildfire continues to rage across the Jerusalem hills as 119 firefighting teams battle the flames this Thursday morning, according to Israel National News • Read More
Firefighting efforts are focused on 11 key zones, including Sha’ar HaGai, Mesilat Zion, Nataf, Yad HaShmona, Neve Ilan, Mevo Horon, Canada Park, Anava to Latrun, Neve Shalom, Burma Road to Eshtaol Forest, Beit Meir, and Shoresh.
Heavy firefighting activity is concentrated in Beit Meir and Shoresh, with 23 teams operating intensively in those areas.
10 firefighting aircraft are currently aiding ground crews, with 8 more planes from Cyprus and Italy expected to arrive today.
Evacuated communities as of this morning include: Sha’ar HaGai, Mesilat Zion, Beit Meir, Shoresh, Neve Ilan, Yad HaShmona, and Nataf.
At first, Israel’s aerial firefighting squadron conducted repeated drops near major fire zones and residential areas to protect homes.
Roads previously closed due to the fire—Routes 1, 3, and 38—have now reopened to traffic, police confirmed.
Overnight, IDF engineering equipment was deployed nationwide to create firebreaks and prevent further spread. The IDF logistics division also delivered 300,000 liters of water, supplies, and food for emergency crews.
The Air Force remains deeply involved, with firefighting aircraft dropping over 95 fire retardant loads overnight. An Air Force intelligence unit has established a special team to map fire zones and support coordination of aerial efforts.
So far, 17 firefighters have been injured, two of whom required hospitalization.
International assistance is expected to continue throughout the day, with additional aircraft and helicopters arriving to bolster efforts.
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