Forest Fire Forces Evacuation in Gush Etzion Settlement

A powerful forest fire erupted near the Gvaot settlement in the western Gush Etzion region on Friday, September 4th, posing a direct threat to residential buildings. Strong winds are fanning the flames, pushing them rapidly toward homes. The commander of the operational headquarters ordered the emergency evacuation of the first line of buildings.

Significant firefighting forces have been deployed to combat the blaze. Four firefighting aircraft are dropping water on the fire's hotspots. Volunteer firefighters from the regional unit are working alongside professional crews both within the settlement and in the surrounding areas, attempting to halt the fire's advance.

The situation is exacerbated by prevailing weather conditions. The Fire and Rescue Services declared a state of emergency from September 1st to September 15th due to heat and drought, with a strict ban on open fires in effect. Earlier, a similar incident in Ramat Gan, caused by dry grass being set alight, temporarily disrupted train traffic near Bnei Brak. Rescue services are urging the public to exercise extreme vigilance.