Wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds swept through the Jerusalem Hills on Memorial Day, forcing authorities to evacuate three communities and close the main Route 1 highway linking Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
At the height of the blaze, Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service mobilized 120 units—including firefighting teams, aircraft, and helicopters—alongside IDF search and rescue forces. Home Front Command, the Air Force, and all Israel Defense Forces units were ordered to support police and rescue crews.
Police warned that additional evacuations could be necessary, pre-positioning buses for residents at risk. TV footage captured panicked drivers abandoning cars as flames approached, while 12 people were treated for smoke inhalation.
In light of extreme conditions, bonfires have been banned through May 7. With Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebrations looming, officials reminded the public that barbecues are only allowed in designated areas.
International aid poured in from Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus as firefighters battled to contain the inferno. The crisis underscores growing challenges posed by heat waves and erratic weather patterns in the region.
As communities rebuild and reflect on Memorial Day, this emergency highlights the urgent need for coordinated responses to climate-driven disasters.
Reference(s):
Israeli wildfires force evacuations, road closures on Memorial Day
cgtn.com
