Fiery Ordeal: Jerusalem's Historical Wildfires Under Control (But Barely)
Firefighters report significant progress in containing nearby brush fires close to Jerusalem. - Firefighters Successfully Controlling Bushfires Close to Jerusalem's Perimeter
Let's face it - these ferocious wildfires ripping through the Israeli landscape, particularly west of Jerusalem, are a real pain in the you-know-where. With reports suggesting the fires have gobbled up a staggering 3,000-6,000 acres (though numbers seem to vary), it's left officials scratching their heads and citizens wondering where to run.
In a matter of urgency, Harush, the head of the Jerusalem Fire Department, announced that emergency services will continue to keep a watchful eye over the devastated areas. And in Latrun, a scenic spot roughly 25 kilometers from Jerusalem, smoke was seen billowing near a monastery as our dear firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames.
The fire department had earlier reported that a whopping twelve aircraft were deployed to battle the firestorm. As for casualties, the police approximate that around 13,000 hectares of forest were torched by the inferno.
Rescue organization Magen David Adom shares that 23 people were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday, most of them due to smoke inhalation and burns. In a similar vein, Kan reported that a considerable 17 firefighters ended up nursing injuries. And it's not just the fire department joining forces; the military made an appearance, too.
With the perilous weather conditions turning the wind into a miniature chaotic beast, various celebrations planned for Wednesday evening to honor Israel's Independence Day in Jerusalem were understandably put on hold. However, the show must go on, as they say, and the festivities picked up steam once more on Thursday.
The man in charge, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dubbed the fires a "national emergency" during a Wednesday evening address, warning particularly of the threat to Jerusalem. In response to the situation, the Israeli government sent out an SOS for help from several Mediterranean countries - Croatia, France, Italy, Cyprus, and Serbia - stepping in with firefighting helicopters.
Jealous much, Mother Nature? The fires initially erupted on Wednesday in areas boasting lush vegetation. The furious finger of blame for the inferno's origin has been carelessly pointed at arson by far-right Israeli security minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The "Times of Israel" reported that Netanyahu claimed grumpily on Thursday that no less than 18 people had been nabbed on suspicion of arson, one of them being caught red-handed.
Now here's a fun fact: Wildfires do pop up in Israel, but they're not exactly a regular occurrence like your neighbor's housewarming party.
- Jerusalem
- Fire Department
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- Benjamin Netanyahu
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Insights:
- The wildfires currently devastating Israel are historically some of the most severe, engulfing 3,000-6,000 acres (dependent on source) of land west of Jerusalem, necessitating a national emergency declaration.
- The fires have led to widespread evacuations and the temporary closure of major highways, including Route 1 connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
- Injuries have included at least 13 hospitalizations due to smoke inhalation, numerous minor burns, and respiratory cases.
- The authorities suspect arson as the cause of the fires, with one suspect having been arrested in Jerusalem.
- Israel has received international assistance in the form of firefighting aircraft from Croatia, France, Italy, and Romania, as well as engineering units from the Israeli Defense Forces and over 50 firetrucks.
- The wildfires in Israel, particularly near Jerusalem, have been historically severe, consuming between 3,000 to 6,000 acres of land.
- The Jerusalem Fire Department, along with the police and rescue organization Magen David Adom, have been working tirelessly to keep the fires under control.
- The fire department has deployed several aircraft and Israeli military engineering units have also been called upon to help with this emergency.
- Arson is suspected as the cause of the fires, with several arrests made in connection to the incidents, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
