Massive wildfire near Jerusalem: Roads closed, dozens injured from smoke
Photo: a massive wildfire rages around Jerusalem (The Voice Of Truth / x.com)
A large wildfire broke out on Wednesday morning in the Judean Hills and spread to the outskirts of Jerusalem. Roads have been closed, dozens of people have suffered from smoke inhalation, and efforts to bring the blaze under control have so far been unsuccessful, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Around 120 firefighting teams, 10 planes, and one helicopter have been deployed to battle the massive wildfire, according to Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services. The service's commissioner, Eyal Caspi, has declared the highest level of alert.
The Israeli Air Force and elite Unit 669 are on standby to assist. Volunteers have also joined the rescue operations and are working in coordination with other emergency services.
Road closed
Highway 1 in Jerusalem has been closed to traffic. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, while drivers are abandoning their vehicles on the road. People have been urged to stay away from the affected area.
Rescuers have already evacuated nine people from cars trapped in heavy smoke. Private vehicles are burning at the scene, but no people remain inside.
Pray for Jerusalem. This is horrific.
— Vivid. (@VividProwess) April 30, 2025
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Wildfire Victims
According to the organization United Hatzalah, more than 30 people received assistance for smoke inhalation, with some requiring oxygen support. In most cases, hospitalization was not necessary.
Maariv reports at least seven injured, six of whom are in mild condition and one in moderate condition. Among them are a 36-year-old man with burns, a 34-year-old woman, and two infants around one year old.
Later, the medical service reported that 13 people had been evacuated to hospitals, including two infants and two pregnant women.
Fire spread and evacuation
The Fire and Rescue Services report that strong winds are contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. Police are working to evacuate residents from the community of Neve Shalom.
Fires are also raging in the areas of Ashdod, Masuot Yitzhak, Shafir, and Kfar Warburg. Firefighters, using heavy equipment, are trying to prevent the flames from reaching agricultural lands.
A fire service spokesperson warned that efforts to combat the blaze are being hindered by hot weather and shifting winds.
אסף הרופא: 7 פצועים פונו עד כה בעקבות השרפה, אחד במצב בינוניhttps://t.co/EW5RV6ILBT pic.twitter.com/ZLeaSFjgaP
— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) April 30, 2025
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has ordered the deployment of as many helicopters as possible to evacuate people from Highway 1.
Israeli media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is already on his way to the disaster area. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has reached out to neighboring countries, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, for international assistance. However, the arrival of aid will take some time.
Wildfires
In March, massive wildfires in South Korea resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and caused widespread destruction, including damage to a historic Buddhist temple. More than 10,000 rescuers worked to contain the blaze.
In February, a wildfire broke out in Chile, destroying over 150 hectares and forcing the evacuation of residents. Municipal authorities stated that the fire was caused by work being carried out by a power distribution company in the affected area.
In January, a large wildfire erupted in a suburb of Los Angeles. The blaze destroyed more than 1,100 hectares, with strong winds and dry weather contributing to its rapid spread.
