Fire in Ben Shemen Forest Brings Partial Road Closures, Now Under Control

A large fire broke out earlier Tuesday in the Ben Shemen Forest, prompting a significant firefighting response including 21 fire crews and four firefighting aircraft. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, producing high flames and heavy smoke that impaired visibility in the area. Authorities worked to prevent the fire from reaching the nearby major highways.

Firefighters have now gained control over the blaze and continue operations on site to fully extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure no new fires emerge. As a result, Highway 1 and the northbound lanes of Highway 6, which had been closed due to the fire, have reopened to traffic. However, the southbound lanes of Highway 6 remain closed.

Police remain at the scene to direct traffic and assist with flow, warning drivers of heavy congestion and advising alternative routes. The firefighting effort involved coordination between ground crews and aerial support to contain the fire and protect the highways and surrounding areas.