Wildfires raging in the West Bank

Watch: Due to scorching heatwave, massive wildfire has broken out threatening settlement of Karnei Shomron

Reuters | Published: 06.03.16, 16:55

Seven firefighting crews are working to put out a large wildfire burning in the Karnei Shomron area. The fire broke out on "Moshe Zar Hill" which is located between the settlements of Karnei Shomron and Ramat Gilad in the West Bank.

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Many residents were evacuated and several mobile homes caught fire.

Wildfire outside of Karnei Shomron (צילום: כבאות מחוז שי)

Firefighting teams in the area are also reporting that old mines which were laif in the area several decades ago are exploding due to the fire. Additionally, police have closed route 55 in both directions due to the fire.

Fire outside of Karnei Shomron (Photo: Judea and Samaria Firefighters) (צילום: כבאות מחוז יוש)

All southbound traffic on route 6 starting at the Nachshonim interchange due to the fires in the area. Route 444 is also closed in both directions due to the fires.

Additionally, 14 firefighting teams and two firefighting planes are working to put out a fire near Givat Koach Junction. Four additional teams are working to put out another fire near Rosh HaAyin.

The fires are reportedly being caused by the hot weather and abnormally dry conditions. There have been 70 instances where firefighters were called to put out brush fires since Friday morning.