Massive Fire Destroys 13 Homes in West Bank Settlement of Havot Gilad

A devastating fire broke out on Saturday afternoon near the Mitzpe Yishai neighborhood in the settlement of Kedumim, rapidly spreading to the nearby West Bank settlement of Havot Gilad. Fueled by strong winds, the blaze engulfed the first row of homes, ultimately damaging 24 houses and completely destroying 13. A wood storage shed was also lost to the flames. Firefighters from the Judea and Samaria district, supported by 41 firefighting teams, ten firefighting aircraft from the "Elad" squadron, a police helicopter, and special rescue units, battled the fire alongside engineering vehicles and water tankers from the IDF. Police from the Samaria and Judea districts assisted in evacuating all residents safely.

During the firefighting efforts, two firefighters were injured, one moderately and one lightly, and a local resident fainted due to the incident. The fire also destroyed one fire truck and severely damaged another armored firefighting vehicle due to intense heat exposure. A joint investigation team from the Fire and Rescue Services, Israel Police, and the IDF concluded that the fire originated from a single source: a cigarette butt carelessly discarded by the roadside.

Judea and Samaria Fire District Commander Chief Superintendent Zion Shenkor described the fire as "significant and spreading at an extraordinary pace," prompting a large-scale response including aerial support. Fire and Rescue Commissioner Major General Eyal Caspi personally oversaw the firefighting operations. The coordinated efforts of firefighters, volunteers, the IDF, police, and the Samaria Regional Council successfully contained the blaze and ensured resident safety.

Among those severely affected is Yael Shevach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was killed in a shooting attack in January 2018. Her home was completely destroyed. She expressed her loss on social media after Shabbat, stating, "I have nothing to say and no home. Thank you all for your concern."