Jerusalem
CNN
–
An outraged wildfire near Jerusalem forced evacuation in several areas, leading to several major road closures on Wednesday.
Israel is seeking international assistance to combat fires, as the Defense Minister says the country is in “an era of national emergency.”
“This is probably the largest fire in the country,” Jerusalem District Fire Station commander Schmrick Friedman told reporters Wednesday afternoon. He warned that winds above 60 mph are expected “in the near future,” dramatically increasing the risk of fire.
The fire was forced to close Route 1, the main road connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Wednesday – Israel’s anniversary.
Social media videos show people walking on the highway walking in thick smoke filling the air.
Hours later, emergency workers are driving among long lines of abandoned cars on the highway, searching for anyone who may still be in the car, according to a video from the emergency response organization United Hatzara.
“At this point, we don’t know what caused the fire. There’s even a bit of a clue. We haven’t dealt with it yet,” Friedman said. “We’re far from control.”
Authorities said the fire was active on multiple fronts and one area was concentrated around the town of Nebshalom, located about 15 miles west of Jerusalem. One clip creates flames It can be seen next to the road along a packed section of the highway.
Israeli police said they have arrested “the suspect attempting to launch a fire on an open field.”
“Jerusalem district officials have arrested an East Jerusalem resident, who has been caught up in an attempt to set fire to fields in the southern part of the city,” a force of police spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.
“The search for the suspect’s belongings discovered lighter cotton wool and additional flammable material,” he added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar brought in fire aircraft by holding marathons for meetings with other countries, according to his office, particularly the countries nearby Europe. Three aircraft from Italy and Macedonia will arrive “as soon as possible,” the National Security Council said in a statement.
Authorities said at least 10 communities in the area have been evacuated.
“We are in a period of national emergency and all available troops must be mobilized to save lives and control fires,” said Israeli Defense Minister Katz.
There are about 120 teams fighting the Israeli fire The firefighters say 12 fire aircraft and helicopters as well.
According to Shamir Medical Center and Kaplan Medical Center, two or more people have arrived at two separate hospitals as a result of the fire.
Meanwhile, Hadasa Medical Center, outside of Jerusalem, asked its citizens not to come to the hospital “unless absolutely necessary.” The hospital has begun evacuating patients who are prepared to accept new patients who may have been injured in the fire but who do not need to be admitted.
The fire was in roughly the same location as the same flame last week.
