First responders were working Sunday afternoon to evacuate residents of at least three communities near Jerusalem because of out-of-control wildfires, the Jerusalem District Police reported.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Late Sunday afternoon, a second major fire was out of control near Ramat Raziel, Shoeva, and Eitanim. Reports from Shoeva said that the fire was approaching residences closest to the forest.
Video: Omri Padiha
Evacuations have been ordered for homes on Beit Meir, Ramat Raziel, and Kiryat Yaarim.
One of the fires was reportedly moving toward the Jerusalem Mental Health Center at Eitanim, making an evacuation a possibility.
Eight firefighting aircraft were pouring flame retardants on the forested areas in an attempt to check the spread of the fires, which were feeding off the extreme summer heat and high winds.
All firefighters from the Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue services, even those off-duty, were scrambled to help battle the fires.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
