Forest fires caused by extreme heat and winds broke out near Jerusalem on 30 April, forcing authorities to evacuate entire communities and block the main highway from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. The situation is complicated by the fact that the country marks Remembrance Day on 30 April and many Israelis were visiting burial sites.
“Based on an assessment of the spread of the fire, the district commander has instructed teams to prepare for the possible evacuation of additional communities”, the police said in a statement.
Television footage showed fires along the motorway and people abandoning vehicles and running away from the flames.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Service said on 29 April that due to extreme conditions that increase the likelihood of fires spreading and developing, it had banned bonfires until 7 May.
Israel’s 77th Independence Day begins tonight, and there is a widespread custom of lighting bonfires and barbecues to mark the occasion. The Rescue Service said barbecues should only be lit in authorised areas.
Israeli media reported that 120 fire and rescue services mobilised dozens of firefighting teams, planes and helicopters to try to contain the fires. They said 12 people had been injured by smoke inhalation and Israel had asked at least five countries – Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and Cyprus – for help.