Twenty-one firefighting crews and four aircraft are operating to extinguish a large fire that broke out in a wooded area near the Ben Shemen interchange, according to reports. The fire, first reported earlier Tuesday, had been described as contained but remains active.
The large fire in the Ben Shemen Forest remains active as of 15:39 Jerusalem, despite earlier reports that the blaze had been contained. Twenty-one firefighting crews and four aircraft continue to operate on two fronts, working to extinguish the remaining flames. Major roads including Highway 6 and Highway 1 eastbound remain closed, and the public is urged to avoid the area.
The fire was first reported at approximately 14:35 Jerusalem, with 14 crews and four aircraft initially deployed. At 15:28 Jerusalem, Fire and Rescue Services reported that the blaze had been contained. However, the latest update at 15:39 indicates that the fire is still active, with crews continuing suppression efforts. The wooded area near the Ben Shemen interchange remains closed.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the fire prompted the closure of multiple highways and the diversion of traffic. The fire is in a forested area, and crews are working to prevent further spread. No casualties have been reported.
The cause of the fire has not been reported, and the timeline for full extinguishment remains unclear.
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