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WATCH: Drivers flee as Jerusalem blaze engulfs Route 1

Due to the rapid spread of the fire, firefighting and rescue forces are currently concentrating efforts on Highway 1, which has been closed to traffic. A wildfire is raging in open areas and near the roadway.

WATCH: Drivers flee as Jerusalem blaze engulfs Route 1
Fire
Fire

The Israel Police announced earlier today that a wildfire broke out in the Mateh Yehuda region, in the area between Mesilat Zion and Neve Shalom. As a result, police are currently dispersing the Memorial Day ceremony in Latrun, and Highways 1 and 3 are expected to be closed. Police forces from the Mateh Yehuda station, along with Jerusalem Border Police, are working to evacuate the Neve Shalom community and manage traffic and civilian movement in the area.

Although firefighting forces are actively working to extinguish the blaze, the situation is not under control.

Police units from Lod, Ramla, Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Petah Tikva, the Netbag region, and other stations across the Shfela region are being redirected from non-life-threatening routine activities to assist in evacuating passengers from Highway 1 back to the Shfela area.

Three cars and a truck caught alight: thankfully, there are no drivers trapped inside.

During the firefighting and rescue operations at the scene of a fire on Highway 1, nine individuals were rescued from vehicles trapped in heavy smoke. Several people with minor injuries from smoke inhalation are currently being treated by medical teams at the scene.

The United Hatzalah spokesperson said:

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United Hatzalah paramedics have so far provided assistance to over 15 individuals (including toddlers and elderly people) injured by smoke inhalation, ranging from mild to moderate conditions.

Some of the injured were evacuated by United Hatzalah ambulances.

In addition, The Chief of Staff instructed the Home Front Command, the Air Force, and all IDF units to provide full assistance to the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue Services in addressing the wildfire.

Rescue forces from the Rescue Brigade, the Jerusalem and Central District, along with Home Front Command firefighting teams, Air Force ground firefighting crews and fire trucks, and aircraft providing aerial imagery, have been assisting in recent hours in efforts to extinguish the wildfires in the Jerusalem Hills region and evacuate residents.

All forces are operating in coordination with the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue Services.

Drivers are forced to drive through flames to escape wildfires raging near Jerusalem
Drivers are forced to drive through flames to escape wildfires raging near Jerusalem

Meanwhile, the Israel Police are preparing in response to updated weather forecasts, which predict a significant intensification of winds starting this afternoon (Wednesday). The peak wind speeds, expected from the afternoon through the evening, could reach gusts of 90–100 km/h from west to east. The winds are expected to begin in the south and Shfela regions, gradually moving to the central and northern hills.

Winds of this intensity may cause damage to infrastructure and facilities, topple trees, poles, temporary fences, and similar structures. Accordingly, the Israel Police will increase its presence in the field, deploy to relevant locations, and work to ensure public safety, maintain public order, and provide rapid responses to any emergency incidents.

Public Guidelines and Warnings:

  • Monitor weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.
  • Secure temporary structures, decorations, and infrastructure at events and ceremonies.
  • Reinforce and secure loose objects that could be dislodged by strong winds, such as planters, sheds, loose cables, antennas, etc.
  • Exercise extra caution near trees, signs, and structures that may collapse.
  • There is an absolute prohibition on the use of pyrotechnics (fireworks, etc.) that could spark fires.
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