Firefighters have gained control over the large fire in the Ben Shemen area, according to N12. Highway 1 and Highway 6 northbound have reopened to traffic, while Highway 6 southbound remains blocked.
Firefighters have gained control over the large fire in the Ben Shemen Forest near Highway 6, according to N12, with Highway 1 and Highway 6 northbound reopened to traffic. The development resolves a series of conflicting reports Tuesday afternoon over the blaze's status.
The fire was first reported at 14:44 Jerusalem, closing Highway 1 eastbound toward Jerusalem and Highway 6 in both directions. Fire and Rescue Services initially reported that the blaze had been contained, with 21 crews and four aircraft operating on two fronts. A subsequent update, however, stated that the fire remained active despite earlier containment claims. The latest report now indicates that firefighters have gained control, and major highways are partially reopened. Highway 6 southbound remains blocked.
As The Zioneer reported throughout the afternoon, the fire prompted a large response, including the deployment of firefighting aircraft and the closure of key highways. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Highway 6 southbound is still closed to traffic.
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