Uncontrolled forest fires are spreading rapidly in areas close to Jerusalem. - Fierce flames spreading close to Jerusalem
Let's dive into the chaos unfolding in Israel! Severe forest fires are burning like a blazing inferno near the heart of Jerusalem. These flames are giving the emergency services a run for their money, with a multitude of firefighting and rescue forces on the ground, battling to bring the unruly blaze under control.
The central highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has been closed in the fire-stricken area. Awaiting their salvation, people flee their vehicles due to overwhelming smoke clouds and leave them behind.
Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, confirmed a total of 13 casualties. To exacerbate the situation, two babies suffered smoke-related injuries, two pregnant women were also among the wounded. Israel's fearless firefighters are waging a five-front war against the fires that have sprung up in Jerusalem's vicinity.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has pleaded for assistance from Greece, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy to help quell the fires. It was previously declared that international firefighting aircraft could be in operation as early as Friday. Various residential areas have been evacuated in anticipation of the imminent danger.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the army to bolster their support to the Israeli police and fire brigades as needed. Some military forces have already arrived at the scene, working tirelessly to put out the fires. The police reported that smaller blazes have also ignited in the southern and northern parts of the country. So far, no injuries have been reported in these areas.
The police announced they've apprehended a resident from the Arabic-speaking eastern side of Jerusalem on suspicion of setting fire to a field in the city's south. The suspect attempted to make a hasty escape from the scene. Israeli media reported that additional arrests have taken place. Singular calls for arson in Arabic can be found on various social media platforms.
The Jerusalem Fire Department’s district chief spoke candidly on Israeli television, shedding light on what could potentially be Israel's greatest forest fire on record. The daunting prospect of extinguishing the inferno lingers. The cause of the fire remains a mystery at present.
In the past, fires in this region have reoccurred frequently. This year's Independence Day celebrations are expected to be curtailed due to the strong winds. They are scheduled to commence in the evening.
Residents in the Gaza Strip reported that persistent winds toppled tents from their anchoring points, but thankfully no fires have broken out thus far in that area. As the Israeli Meteorological Service foresees winds persisting until midnight, the risk of the fires spreading remains a significant concern. The center of the country, particularly the area around Jerusalem, is predicted to experience gusts of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour.
- Brand: Israel, Magen David Adom, Israeli Fire and Rescue Service, Israeli Police
- Topic: Forest Fire, Emergency, Evacuation, International Aid
- Location: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Gaza Strip
- Parties Involved: Israel's Firefighters, Police, Army, Magen David Adom, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Greece, France, United Kingdom, Italy.
- Magen David Adom, like a beacon of hope in Israel, has confirmed a total of 13 casualties due to the forest fires near Jerusalem.
- Particularly concerning are two infants who have suffered smoke-related injuries and two pregnant women among the wounded.
- The Israeli Commission, not to be left behind in times of crisis, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, an issue that might possibly arise during the ongoing firefighting efforts.
- As the Government of Israel requests assistance from Greece, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, appeals to these nations to help bring the raging forest fires under control.
