Urgent: Jerusalem Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuation Alert
Firefighters battle a massive blaze near Jerusalem as residents are evacuated and police prepare to shut down Highway 1, Israel’s main traffic artery.
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A massive wildfire broke out on Sunday afternoon in the Emek HaArazim area near Mevaseret Zion, close to Israel’s central Highway 1, the country’s main traffic artery. Huge flames spread rapidly across the area, prompting urgent action from firefighting and police forces, and raising the possibility of shutting down Highway 1 to all traffic.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Fire and Rescue Services announced that firefighting teams from the Jerusalem station had been dispatched to the scene. Due to the intensity of the blaze, residents of two streets closest to the fire line were ordered to evacuate their homes.
Police confirmed that dozens of officers were deployed to assist in evacuations and secure the area. “Alongside the firefighting efforts and aerial support, police forces have begun evacuating residents from Shikma and Shoshana streets in Mevaseret Zion,” the statement read.
Highway 1 at Risk
Authorities warned that Highway 1—the central route connecting Jerusalem with the coastal plain—might be shut down due to the proximity of the flames. Police added that drivers should prepare for possible closures and heavy traffic disruptions, urging the public to use alternative routes.
The blaze also caused damage to power lines near Jerusalem, leading to malfunctions in several traffic lights throughout the city. Officials cautioned drivers to exercise extra vigilance.
Suspicious Materials Found Earlier
Earlier on Sunday morning, before the wildfire broke out, police officers discovered a hidden cache of dozens of tires, cloth, and bottles containing flammable liquid near Highway 1 by Sha’ar HaGai. According to police, the items were prepared for ignition on the main road. The materials were confiscated, and parts of them were sent for forensic analysis.
“This is a clear and deliberate attempt to endanger lives and disrupt public order,” a police spokesperson said. “The Israel Police will not allow violent disturbances or illegal actions that put the public and road users at risk.”
Shuttle Services and Assistance
Israel Railways and local authorities announced that shuttle buses would be provided in case of prolonged disruptions, while additional emergency services and volunteers were deployed to assist residents.
Meanwhile, firefighting aircraft were called to the scene in an effort to gain control over the flames before they spread further toward populated areas and the main highway.