Massive wildfires near Jerusalem have forced thousands of people to leave their homes within just 24 hours. Israel has asked other countries for help to control the blaze. So far, at least 13 people have been injured, but no deaths have been reported. The fire started on Israel’s Memorial Day, which is held to honour fallen soldiers.

Videos on social media show flames burning along the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with thick smoke covering nearby hills. Some people even left their cars and ran to escape the fire. According to Israeli media, more than 160 fire and rescue teams are working to control the massive wildfire. Dozens of planes and helicopters have been sent in to help, and even the military is taking part in rescue efforts. But dry weather and strong winds are making it hard to stop the fire.

The Israeli fire department called it one of the biggest wildfires the country has ever seen. People are now banned from entering national parks and forests near the fire zones. Several roads, including the busy Route 1 highway where the fire started, have also been closed.

The wildfire in the Jerusalem Hills is being called possibly the biggest Israel has ever seen. Shmulik Friedman, head of the Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire is still out of control and may continue burning for a long time. He warned that the situation could get worse as strong winds, reaching up to 90–100 km/h (56–62 mph), are expected. These conditions make it harder to stop the spread of the fire.

To help control the blaze, the Israeli Air Force has sent in C-130J Super Hercules planes. These large aircraft can carry 18,000 litres of fire retardant, and at least two have already dropped chemicals over the flames. So far, the fire has burned nearly 3,000 acres of land.

Israel cancels the Independence Day event

Israel has cancelled its scheduled Independence Day ceremony, including the main state event in Jerusalem, due to the ongoing wildfires. Instead of a live event, the ceremony was pre-recorded and shown to the public.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the fires could reach Jerusalem. In a video message, he said, “The western wind can push the fire easily toward the outskirts of Jerusalem, and even into the city itself.”

Israel has asked other countries for help to fight the massive wildfires. Soon after the request, Ukraine said it would send a plane to help. Several European countries, including Spain, France, Romania, Croatia, and Italy,  have also agreed to send firefighting planes to support the efforts.

 

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