Largest Wildfires in Israel’s History: Arson or climate change natural disaster
Firefighters continue to battle Jerusalem Area fire that already burned 5,000 acres, The Jewish National Fund (JNF) says.
The fire raging through the Jerusalem area remained uncontained Thursday morning, Fire and Rescue services announced, as 119 firefighting teams continued battling the blaze that broke out Wednesday.
Eight firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Italy and France are expected to arrive throughout the day to assist suppression efforts.
Human and Material Damage: Authorities reported that 17 firefighters were injured during operations, with two evacuated to the hospital.
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) estimated Wednesday that approximately 24,000 dunams (about 6,000 acres) have burned in what is being called one of the largest wildfires in the country's history.
According to the Israeli news site Walla most of the Canada Forest was destroyed, and the Eshtaol Forest sustained severe damage. Public access has been barred to 15 additional forests and nature reserves.
Police said all roads previously closed due to the fires have since reopened to traffic.
