Large Wildfire Near Ben Shemen Forest Closes Highway 6 in Both Directions

A major wildfire broke out on Tuesday in an open area near Ben Shemen Forest, close to Highway 6 in the Samaria region. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, producing thick smoke and high flames visible from a distance. As a result, Highway 6 was closed in both directions near the Daniel Interchange to ensure safety and allow firefighting efforts to proceed unhindered.

Fourteen firefighting teams from the Ayalon station are actively combating the blaze on the ground, supported by four firefighting aircraft conducting aerial suppression. The strong winds continue to challenge containment efforts, causing the fire to advance quickly. Firefighters are working at multiple points to control the flames while aircraft assist from above.

The Israel Fire and Rescue Services urged the public to avoid the area around Ben Shemen Forest and the Daniel Interchange and to follow instructions from security and rescue personnel. No reopening time for the closed highway section has been announced yet, as crews continue their efforts to stop the fire's spread.