Firefighters Battle Spreading Blaze Near Beit Shemesh Threatening Kesalon Homes

A fire broke out on Sunday afternoon near the Kesalon settlement in the Beit Shemesh area, prompting a significant firefighting response. The fire services declared a "firestorm" as dozens of firefighting teams and firefighting aircraft were deployed to the scene. The Jerusalem District Firefighters reported that the blaze, fueled by dry brush, was spreading rapidly in a wooded area close to Kesalon. Due to the fire's intensity and speed, there was a direct threat to the homes in the settlement. Firefighters are working determinedly to contain the fire, protect the houses, and prevent harm to people and property.