Massive Wildfire Ravages Outskirts of Jerusalem

Max Gelber : Aug 3, 2015
United With Israel

If it spreads further, the flames could pose a threat to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in the area.

(Israel)—Dozens of firefighter teams were deployed at the scene of a huge wildfire on the outskirts of the Israeli capital on Sunday. Some 700 residents of the small town of Even Sapir were evacuated as the fire advanced towards their homes. (Photo via United With Israel)

The Jerusalem Firefighter's Department reported that several chicken coops and three houses have already been consumed by the fire. Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and evacuated to a hospital.

Eight aircraft and over 100 firefighters alerted from firehouses across Israel are battling to gain control of the blaze, which, if it spreads further, could pose a threat to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in the area.

Several roads in the vicinity were shut down for travel, including sections of the main highway between the capital and Tel Aviv, which were closed for intervals.

The extremely hot, dry weather and strong winds are causing the fire to spread.

It is yet unclear how the Jerusalem blaze was ignited. The Jerusalem district has experienced massive fires in the past.

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