Major Forest Fire Forces Road Closures Near Ben Shemen
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
A significant forest fire in Ben Shemen Forest on Wednesday caused major traffic disruptions, closing key routes like Road 444 and parts of Road 6. Over 60 firefighting teams and aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze. Authorities advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Separately, roads to Eilat were closed Tuesday due to severe weather.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A large forest fire in Ben Shemen Forest closed major roads, including Road 444 and parts of Road 6.
- Over 60 firefighting teams and four aircraft are battling the blaze.
- Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of firefighting resources.
- Authorities urged the public to avoid the affected roads and use alternative routes.
- Road closures to Eilat due to weather occurred the previous day.
A large forest fire erupted in Ben Shemen Forest on Wednesday, leading to the closure of major traffic routes in central Israel during peak hours. Road 444 was blocked in both directions near the Ben Shemen interchange, and a section of Road 6 northbound near the same interchange was also shut due to the fire's spread. The blaze, characterized by brush and treetop flames, was approaching Roads 1 and 6.
Twelve firefighting and rescue teams were actively working to contain the fire and prevent its westward expansion. Given the fire's development and challenging conditions, Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of resources. Approximately 50 additional firefighting teams from all districts were dispatched to assist, alongside four firefighting aircraft conducting targeted aerial drops.
Authorities urged the public to completely avoid the affected sections of Roads 444, 1, and 6, and to seek alternative routes. Drivers were instructed to obey the directives of security forces and police operating in the area. The police stated they would continue to update the public on road closures and traffic arrangements as the situation evolved.
In a separate incident, roads leading to and from Eilat were closed the previous day due to severe weather conditions, including flash flood concerns, affecting Roads 12, 40, 13, 90, and 25.
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