Dramatic Firefighter Radio Calls Reveal Life-Threatening Blaze at Gilead Farm
Thirty-six hours after a massive fire devastated homes and property at Gilead Farm in the West Bank, dramatic radio recordings from firefighters trapped in the flames have been released. The recordings capture the harrowing moments when four firefighters were caught inside a fire truck surrounded by fire. One firefighter urgently called for evacuation, saying, "We are inside the vehicle, it's on fire! We are near the mikveh, I need evacuation!" A shift commander ordered them to exit the vehicle immediately, a decision credited with saving their lives. Shortly after, the firefighters confirmed they had escaped on foot, with one reporting minor burns to firefighter Evitar Karni and that the fire truck was destroyed.
Simultaneously, a joint investigation by the Fire and Rescue Services and the Judea and Samaria Police District led to the arrest of two Palestinian Authority police officers suspected of deliberately igniting the fire. According to the investigation, the suspects allegedly threw a burning cigarette or flammable material from a vehicle along Route 55 near the settlement of Kedumim. Strong winds and heat caused the fire to spread rapidly, crossing the valley for about two kilometers and reaching Gilead Farm, destroying buildings and threatening dozens of families.
Eyewitness Yehuda Cohen described the chaos as residents tried to fight the "crazy fire" and eventually evacuated families as the blaze approached. Firefighter Evitar Karni, hospitalized with burns, recounted the terrifying experience of being trapped and reflected on past fires, expressing his determination to continue firefighting despite his injuries. Settlers in Judea and Samaria warned of increased arson attacks during the summer, labeling them "agricultural terror" and demanding swift action against the suspects and rapid restoration efforts for Gilead Farm.
The incident highlights ongoing security and safety challenges in the region amid heightened tensions and seasonal risks.
