A large fire broke out in Ben Shemen Forest, according to reports. Firefighting aircraft have been dispatched and major roads in the area have been closed to traffic. No casualties have been reported.
Firefighting aircraft have been dispatched to the Ben Shemen Forest area, as a large fire that broke out around 14:44 Jerusalem continues to rage. The fire has already prompted the closure of Highway 1 eastbound toward Jerusalem and Highway 6 in both directions, with traffic diverted to Routes 443 and 444. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services have urged the public to avoid the area and follow security forces' instructions. No casualties have been reported.
Reports at 14:44 Jerusalem first indicated the fire spreading near Ben Shemen, blocking Highway 1 eastbound. Within minutes, N12 reported that Highway 6 was also closed in both directions, with diversions to Routes 443 and 444. Subsequent reports from Ynet and i24NEWS confirmed the closures and noted that the fire remained intense, with no immediate threat to nearby communities.
As The Zioneer reported earlier on Tuesday at 14:35 Jerusalem, the Israel Fire and Rescue Services stated that 14 firefighting crews and four aircraft had been deployed to a large fire, urging the public to avoid the area. The location of that fire was not disclosed. The Ben Shemen Forest area has experienced fire incidents in the past, including a vehicle fire that spread toward the forest in June.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, and no casualties have been reported. The extent of the blaze and the progress of containment efforts have not yet been detailed.
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