Emergency crews in Israel are currently fighting a significant wildfire that has caused smoke to drift over Jerusalem, prompting drivers to flee their vehicles. The fire, which started on Wednesday in the hills outside the city, has burned approximately 5,000 acres (20 square kilometers) of land.
As the blaze continues, the ambulance service has reported that at least 12 people have been treated in hospitals, primarily for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, the fire service noted that "miraculously," no homes have been damaged so far. Firefighters are utilizing ten planes to drop fire retardant materials, with eight additional aircraft expected to join the efforts.
The wildfire is one of the most severe Israel has experienced in the last decade, according to Tal Volvovitch from the fire and rescue authority. Conditions have been ripe for fires to spread, including hot, dry weather, minimal rainfall over the winter, and strong winds. The Jewish National Fund, which manages the country’s forests, indicated that the ongoing drought has made the area especially vulnerable to such incidents, linking the situation to climate change.
In response to the fire, evacuation orders for around 12 towns near Jerusalem have been lifted, and the main highway connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv has reopened. However, celebrations for Israel’s independence day were largely canceled as security forces focused on combating the fire. People were advised to exercise caution with barbecues and to avoid forests and parks.
International assistance is also on the way, with countries like Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania sending aircraft to help with firefighting efforts.
This wildfire has raised concerns given its timing, as Israel typically sees such fires in the summer months rather than in spring. In 2010, a devastating fire on Mount Carmel resulted in 44 fatalities and the destruction of about 12,000 acres, highlighting the potential dangers of wildfires in the region. As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the fire’s progress and the safety of nearby communities.