Fires rage near Beit Shemesh and in central Israel; police prepare to close Route 1

Two major wildfires broke out in different parts of Israel on Wednesday. One fire began in the Eshtaol Forest and spread toward communities near Jerusalem. Due to the danger, Route 44 was closed to traffic and police are preparing to shut down Route 1.

The second fire started near Route 6, between the communities of Petahia, Pedaya, and Givaton in the Shfela region. Train service in the area was suspended, and Route 6 was closed in both directions between the Nesharim and Sorek interchanges.

Dozens of firefighting teams, supported by aerial units, are operating at each site, but the fires are not yet under control.

Israel Railways announced that, following firefighting authorities' instructions, train service was halted at the following stations: Ramla, Beit Shemesh, Mazkeret Batya, Kiryat Malakhi-Yoav, Kiryat Gat, and Lehavim-Rahat.

Eshtaol Forest fire:
Firefighting forces are working to contain a large blaze in the Eshtaol Forest, near the entrance to Moshav Tarum. Around 50 firefighting teams, supported by four firefighting aircraft, a helicopter, the “Lahava” unit, KKL teams, and inter-district reinforcements, are at the scene. Another 20 teams are en route to assist.

Due to the intensity of the fire and the threat to nearby populated areas, Jerusalem Fire District Commander Shmulik Friedman ordered the evacuation of Eshtaol and Mesilat Zion. Route 44 was closed in both directions, and the public is asked to avoid the area.

A state of emergency ("Makat Esh") was declared, and firefighting teams from across the Jerusalem district, with aerial support, are working at the site. KKL workers report that hundreds of dunams of forest have burned in Eshtaol and Tzora.

Route 6 fire:
Firefighters are operating in three main zones to stop the fire and protect lives and property. Efforts are focused on protecting the communities of Petahia and Pedaya, the Givaton nature reserve, and the cemetery in Yatzitz.

Around 25 firefighting teams, supported by aircraft, are working to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. A security vehicle was caught in the fire near a road; the incident is under investigation.

Due to the proximity to the railway tracks, train traffic was suspended in the area. Vehicle traffic on Route 6 was also halted in both directions between the Nesharim and Sorek interchanges.

Third fire in Nir Banim:
A third fire broke out near the moshav of Nir Banim. Firefighting teams were dispatched and are working to prevent the fire from spreading. At present, the fire is not under control, and there is concern that it may spread to agricultural areas.