Major Brush Fire Erupts Near Ben Shemen, Forcing Road Closures and Evacuations

By מאיר תורג'מן

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

A significant brush fire near the Ben Shemen interchange on Wednesday led to the closure of major roads, including Route 6 North and Route 444. Around 400 hikers were evacuated as 12 firefighting teams and six aircraft worked to contain the blaze. The Fire Commissioner ordered a nationwide mobilization, with 50 additional teams dispatched to the scene as the fire spread rapidly in windy conditions.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Major roads including Route 6 North and Route 444 were closed due to a brush fire near Ben Shemen.
Approximately 400 hikers were evacuated from the area surrounding the blaze.
Twelve firefighting teams and six water-dropping aircraft are battling the fire.
The Fire Commissioner ordered a nationwide mobilization of 50 additional firefighting teams.
The fire is spreading rapidly in the Ben Shemen Forest due to strong winds.

A large brush fire broke out near the Ben Shemen interchange on Wednesday afternoon, prompting the closure of Route 6 North and Route 444 in both directions. The blaze is also located near Route 1. Approximately 400 hikers have been evacuated from the affected area. Twelve firefighting teams, supported by six water-dropping aircraft, are currently battling the flames. The Fire Commissioner, Eyal Caspi, has ordered a nationwide mobilization of firefighting resources due to the fire's rapid spread and challenging conditions. An additional 50 firefighting teams from across the country are en route to the scene. Firefighters are working in the Ben Shemen Forest area, extending from the Hadid cemetery eastward towards Neot Kedumim, with the fire advancing quickly due to strong winds. The Lahav Unit has been deployed to assist in locating and escorting hikers out of the danger zone.