Large Wildfire Advances Toward Kerem Hamami Farm in Gush Etzion, Firefighting Planes Deployed

A large wildfire broke out between the settlement of Merom Yehuda and the Kerem Hamami farm in the Gush Etzion region, rapidly advancing uphill due to strong winds. The fire threatens to reach the farm, established in memory of soldier Asaf Hamami. Due to the complex terrain and intensifying flames, four firefighting planes from the Elad Squadron were dispatched to assist ground crews and volunteers in containing the blaze before it reaches the farm.

Firefighters and volunteers from the Yehuda Regional Station are working intensively to stop the fire's spread by creating defensive lines to protect property and lives. Additional teams from nearby stations have been called in to reinforce firefighting efforts amid the challenging conditions. The incident commander, Lavi Daniel Mizrahi, emphasized the difficulty posed by the mountainous terrain and the necessity of aerial support alongside ground operations.

As of the latest update, firefighting teams continue battling the fast-moving fire to prevent damage to the farm and surrounding areas. The coordinated response includes both aerial water drops and ground-based containment strategies to halt the fire's progression.