Fire in West Bank Settlement Gilad Forces Evacuation, Destroys 13 Homes, Injures Firefighters

A large fire broke out in the West Bank settlement of Gilad on Saturday, prompting the evacuation of all residents. The blaze spread from the nearby area of Kedumim and reached the homes in the settlement. Firefighting efforts involved 45 teams, including eight firefighting planes and a firefighting helicopter. Two firefighters were injured, one moderately and one lightly, and were treated in hospital.

The fire damaged approximately 13 homes, a garage, and a wood storage facility, as well as several vehicles, including an armored firefighting vehicle damaged by heat radiation. The fire advanced rapidly due to strong winds, crossing the first line of houses. After more than five hours, firefighters gained control over the fire. Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by a cigarette butt.

Police from the Samaria district managed resident evacuations and traffic control, closing Route 55 westbound from the Jit junction to facilitate the evacuation. Concurrently, residents in the nearby settlement of Shemsheet in the Jezreel Valley were evacuated from the first line of homes due to a separate open-area fire, with others advised to shelter indoors because of heavy smoke. Twelve firefighting teams and four planes contained that fire.

Additional fires occurred on Miron Street in Kfar Vradim and near Shibli in the Mount Tabor area, with firefighting teams successfully controlling those blazes. Special investigation teams continue to examine the circumstances of the Gilad fire. Donations to support Gilad are being solicited.