Som Global News | May 1, 2025
Jerusalem, Israel – Raging wildfires have engulfed forested areas on the outskirts of Jerusalem, forcing mass evacuations and pushing emergency services to their limits. The inferno, fueled by high winds and extreme heat, has already impacted at least nine residential neighborhoods, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Firefighting units, including air support teams, have been deployed in full force as the flames close in on civilian areas. Authorities warn the situation remains volatile and dangerous.
“This is a national emergency,” said an Israeli Fire and Rescue Services commander.
“We are fighting on multiple fronts to save lives and prevent total destruction.”
The fires erupted earlier this week in the dry hills surrounding the capital. Within hours, walls of flame threatened entire communities. Residents were ordered to evacuate as thick black smoke blanketed the sky and air quality plummeted.
“We barely made it out. The fire was everywhere — the heat was unreal,” said Miriam Cohen, a mother of three from Mevaseret Zion.
“We left everything behind. All we could think about was surviving.”
While the exact cause of the fires remains under investigation, officials are not ruling out human negligence or deliberate arson. Power lines and unregulated outdoor fires are being examined as potential triggers.
The Israeli government has issued health alerts and warned residents across the region to stay indoors, wear protective masks, and avoid travel unless necessary.
No deaths have been confirmed as of this report, but several homes have been damaged or destroyed. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, and medical services are on standby for smoke-related injuries.
As the fires continue to burn, officials are calling for national unity and international assistance.
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