A major wildfire broke out Wednesday evening near the settlement of Efka in the southern Hebron Hills region of the West Bank, prompting the evacuation of residents as wind-driven flames advanced toward homes. No injuries have been reported so far.
Firefighters and volunteers from the Judea regional station are working across multiple sectors to contain the blaze. Initial crews arriving at the scene reported a broad fire line moving rapidly through brush adjacent to the settlement, heading directly toward residential structures.
Four firefighting aircraft from the "Elad" squadron were scrambled to the area and are operating alongside ground forces. Additional support teams from neighboring districts are en route to the fire zone to reinforce suppression efforts.
Fire and Rescue Services officials said the flames are advancing rapidly both through the brush near Efka and across open terrain surrounding the settlement. The primary focus of the aerial and ground crews is establishing firebreaks to prevent the flames from reaching homes.
