Uncontrolled fires moves quickly through central Israel, more than nine settlements evacuated
TEL AVIV ( WEB NEWS )
The Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority announced on Thursday that 119 firefighting crews were continuing to battle wildfires in the Jerusalem mountains, covering 11 sectors.
These sectors reportedly include: Sha’ar HaGai, Masilat Zion, Netaf, Yad Hashmonah, Nafeh Ilan, Mavo Hauron, Canada Park, Anaba up to Latrun, Nafeh Shalom, Burma Road to the Ashkelon Forest, and Beit Meir and Shoresh.
The fire service also confirmed the evacuation of more than nine settlements due to the ongoing fires.
Israeli media reported that 17 firefighters were injured while attempting to tackle the fires, raising the total number of injuries to at least 30.
Additionally, 15 large planes and fire crews from the Israeli Air Force’s various bases participated overnight in efforts to extinguish the flames.
According to the Israeli news site Walla, Canada Park was almost completely destroyed by the fire, and Route 1, the main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, remained closed. Over 100 cars were abandoned by their owners due to the fire.