Jerusalem homes evacuated as massive fires rage
Large numbers of firefighters are working to put out blazes which broke out in several areas of the capital and its surrounding areas; KKL-JNF says Lag BaOmer bonfire caused conflagrations
Large numbers of firefighters were battling several large-scale blazes on Thursday afternoon in the general Jerusalem area, with KKL-JNF saying the fires have been caused by Lag BaOmer bonfires.
The fire is spreading because of strong winds and nearing an inhabited area, leading to the evacuation of houses in the capital and its surrounding areas.
Residents were ecacuated from 60 houses on Derech Hahoresh Street and other nearby streets in the neighborhood of Ramot; 10 house in Abu Gosh; and five apartments in Gilo. Residents were also being evacuated from Panim Meirot Street in the Romema neighborhood of the capital.
One woman was suffering from smoke inhalation in Gilo and received treamtnent on the scene, while residents in Mevaseret Zion were called to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Yet another fire broke out at the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. The nearby Arazim Tunnel has been closed for traffic.
Eighteen firefighting teams were deployed, as well as a water tank and eight firefighting planes. Jerusalem's Fire Department has put out a cross-district general call for assistance.
An announcement was made to inhabitants of Ramot: "Those living in the Masholim area are asked to evacuate their homes due to a nearby fire getting closer. Please evacuate in a cautious manner and close all doors and windows. Please ensure that no neighbors, old people or children are left behind."
The KKL-JNF said the fire was a result of Wednesday's Lag BaOmer fires, but this has not been confirmed by the Fire Department. According to the KKL-JNF, the 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza in Arazim Valley is in danger of being destoyed.
A brush fire broke out near Kiryat Gat in southern Israel, while firefighters from Ashkelon and Kiryat Gat were also combating a large barn fire at moshav Shalva. Ashdod firefighters worked to put out a big brush fire in moshav Azrikam.
In addition, firefighting teams combatted blazes in Moshav Givati, Moshav Yinon, Merkaz Shapira, Be'er Tuviya, Moshav Sde Uziyahu and in Timorim.
By 6pm, firefighting teams gained control of fires in Abu Gosh and Ramot. Citizens were returned to their homes in Ramot and Romema; in the latter, streets have been reopened to traffic.
Yael Freidson, Elisha Ben Kimon, Kobi Nachshoni, Noam (Dabul) Dvir and Ilana Curiel contributed to this report.
