Breaking· Security· Updated 16:27

Large Fire Erupts in Ben Shemen Forest, Hundreds Evacuated

A large brush and treetop fire erupted in the Ben Shemen Forest area on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, spreading rapidly due to weather conditions and strong winds. The blaze reached near major highways, prompting emergency services to close Highway 444 in both directions near the Ben Shemen interchange. Additionally, Highway 6 northbound was closed to traffic near the interchange as the fire jumped toward Highways 1 and 6, causing severe traffic disruptions during peak hours.

16 newsrooms · 4 languages · since 15:16

Plus

Large Fire Erupts in Ben Shemen Forest, Hundreds Evacuated — Illustration by baba

Watch · 7 clips

Clips the newsrooms posted about this story. They play from YouTube, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and X.

YouTube plays free. 6 more with Plus.

Photos · 1

Photos the newsrooms posted about this story, and the ones the IDF and Magen David Adom released.

Official photos are free. 1 more with Plus.

What happened

01A large brush and treetop fire broke out in the Ben Shemen Forest on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
02The fire spread rapidly toward major highways, including Highways 1, 6, and 444.
03Highway 444 was closed in both directions and Highway 6 northbound was shut down near the Ben Shemen interchange.
04Twelve firefighting teams and four aircraft initially battled the blaze to block its westward spread.
05Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of 50 additional firefighting teams.
06The Israel Police directed drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes due to heavy smoke and traffic disruptions.

Initially, 12 firefighting and rescue teams, supported by four firefighting aircraft, operated at the scene to contain the flames and prevent their westward spread. Due to the intensity of the fire and challenging terrain, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi ordered a nationwide mobilization of resources, dispatching approximately 50 additional firefighting teams from all districts across the country to reinforce the efforts.

Police and security forces cordoned off the affected areas to ensure public safety and facilitate the work of emergency crews. The Israel Police urged drivers to avoid the affected sections of Highways 1, 6, and 444, advising them to seek alternative routes and stay updated on traffic arrangements as the situation developed.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 12 newsrooms. Updated 15:57