Wildfires in Samaria and Jezreel Valley Prompt Evacuations and Firefighter Injury

A large wildfire erupted on Saturday in the Samaria region, leading to the evacuation of the settlement of Havat Gilad and damaging 13 homes. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds blowing from Kedumim toward Havat Gilad. Firefighters and volunteers from the Judea and Samaria district, supported by neighboring districts, reported that the flames crossed the first line of houses, setting several buildings ablaze. During firefighting efforts, one firefighter was injured and a fire truck was completely destroyed.

Police from the Samaria district are actively evacuating residents and directing traffic, with Highway 55 closed westbound from the Git junction. Firefighting aircraft from the Elad squadron are dropping fire retardants along the residential line to contain the blaze. Concurrently, a forest fire near the settlement of Shemsheet in the Jezreel Valley is also being battled by 12 firefighting teams, four aircraft, and KKL forest teams. The fire is spreading quickly under windy conditions, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid outdoor exposure due to heavy smoke.

Ofer Edri, deputy commander of the Nof HaGalil fire station overseeing the Shemsheet incident, stated that the main focus is preventing the fire from reaching homes. Despite the heavy smoke, there is currently no danger to residences in Shemsheet, and no evacuations have been ordered there. Fire and rescue services continue to coordinate ground and aerial efforts to control both fires and ensure public safety.

The fires highlight the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in managing rapidly spreading wildfires in populated areas of the West Bank and northern Israel amid dry, windy weather conditions.