Firefighters gained full control over the large fire in the Ben Shemen area Tuesday afternoon, according to reports. Highways 1 and 6 fully reopened in both directions by 16:07. No casualties were reported.
Firefighters gained full control Tuesday afternoon over a large fire that broke out in the Ben Shemen forest area, closing major highways for about two hours. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported that the blaze was first reported at around 14:44 and quickly spread, prompting the closure of Highways 1 and 6 near the Ben Shemen interchange.
By 15:12, fire crews had halted the fire's spread, and by 15:26 the fire was declared contained, according to Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Tal Wolbovich. Twenty-one ground crews and four aircraft worked at the scene. Magen David Adom medics were on standby; no casualties were reported.
Highway 1 and the northbound lanes of Highway 6 reopened at around 15:56. The southbound lanes of Highway 6 remained closed for about another ten minutes, fully reopening by 16:07. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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