Major Fire Near Ben Shemen Interchange Closes Key Highways
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A large fire near Israel's Ben Shemen Forest on Wednesday led to the closure of major highways, including Highway 444 and Highway 6, during peak traffic. Dozens of firefighting teams and aerial units are working to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly from an open area to adjacent roads. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected region and find alternative routes.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Fire near Ben Shemen Forest closed Highways 444 and 6 during peak traffic.
- Dozens of firefighting teams and aircraft are battling the rapidly spreading blaze.
- Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of firefighters.
- Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
A significant brush and treetop fire broke out on Wednesday near the Ben Shemen Forest and adjacent to Highways 444, 1, and 6, causing major traffic disruptions during peak hours. Highway 444 near the Ben Shemen interchange was closed in both directions, and Highway 6 northbound near the interchange was also shut down. The fire began in an open area, rapidly spread, and moved from Highway 444 to Highways 1 and 6.
Dozens of firefighting teams, including aerial units, are currently battling the blaze. Initially, 12 teams were focused on containing the fire's front and preventing its westward spread. Due to the fire's progression and challenging conditions, Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of approximately 50 additional firefighting teams from all districts.
Four firefighting aircraft are conducting targeted water drops from the air to help contain the fire. Fire and Rescue services have urged the public to completely avoid the area and seek alternative routes. The closures on Highway 444 and Highway 6 northbound near the Ben Shemen interchange are expected to cause significant delays.
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