N12 reports that both directions of Highway 6 have been reopened to traffic, following the large fire in the Ben Shemen area. Firefighters had earlier gained control of the blaze. Highway 1 was previously reopened in both directions.
Highway 6 has been fully reopened in both directions after firefighters brought the large blaze in Ben Shemen Forest under control, N12 reports. The latest development restores full traffic flow on two of Israel's main arteries, following the earlier reopening of Highway 1 and the northbound lanes of Highway 6, which The Zioneer reported at 15:59 Jerusalem.
The fire, first reported around 14:44 Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, prompted a rapid response from firefighting crews and aircraft. Initial reports from Ynet and i24NEWS indicated closures of Highway 6 and Highway 1 eastbound. Fire and Rescue Services later confirmed that 21 crews and 4 aircraft halted the spread, with Deputy Commissioner Tal Volovitz stating that efforts were focused on final extinguishing. By 15:59, The Zioneer reported that control had been achieved, with Highway 1 and Highway 6 northbound reopened, while the southbound lanes remained closed. The latest update confirms that the southbound lanes are now open as well.
No casualties have been reported in connection with the fire. The Ben Shemen Forest area, a major transport corridor, saw significant traffic disruptions during the afternoon hours. Firefighting operations included aerial tankers and ground teams working on two fronts.
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