The forest fires that extend near Jerusalem on Wednesday forced evacuations in several communities and caused the closure of the main roads, including Route 1, the key road that links Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Firefighters have been fighting to contain the flames in the midst of dry conditions and strong winds, since Israel declared a national emergency and requested international support.
According to CNN, the fires exploded on the day of the fallen of Israel, aggravating chaos when the thick smoke wrapped the area.
The videos shared on social networks captured scenes of residents walked on roads under a smoke blanket, while emergency workers then checked long ranks of abandoned cars to make sure that no one remained trapped, according to the images of the United Hatzalah emergency response group.
The commander of the Fire Department of the district of Jerusalem, Shmulik Friedman, described the situation as unprecedented.
Also read: Kenya: MP shot dead in an 'directed' attack in Nairobi
“This is perhaps the largest fire in the country,” he told reporters, he added that winds of more than 60 miles per hour “in the near future are expected,” raising greater danger.
“We don't know at this time what caused the fire. We don't have a little track. We are not dealing with that yet,” he said. “We are far from control.”
The fire remains active on several fronts, particularly around Neve Shalom, located about 15 miles west of Jerusalem. The authorities confirmed that at least ten communities have been evacuated as the fire intensified.
Police said they arrested a suspect trapped trying to start a fire.
“The officers of the district of Jerusalem arrested a resident of Jerusalem that was caught in the act of trying to set a field in the southern part of the city,” said the unity of the police spokesman.
“A search in the suspect belongings discovered a lighter, cotton and additional flammable materials.” According to the reports, the suspect is a man of about fifty years of UMM Tuba, a Palestinian Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
As the crisis was developed, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a national emergency. “We are at a time of national emergency, and all available forces must mobilize to save lives and control fires,” he said.
The efforts to address the fire include 120 fire fighting equipment supported by 12 aircraft and helicopters, according to Israel's fire and rescue services.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has been in contact with several European nations to ensure fire assistance. The National Security Council confirmed that three planes from Italy and Macedonia are expected to arrive “as soon as possible.”
Hospitals in the region are also under tension. Hassah Medical Center, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, has urged the public to avoid visiting unless it is absolutely necessary.
The hospital has begun to relocate stable patients to leave space for those affected by the fire. Shamir Medical Center and Kaplan Medical Center reported having treated more than a dozen people for fire -related injuries.
The current fires are burning in almost the same area as a similar outbreak last week, which raises concerns about recurring fire threats in the region.
Read too Main stories OF Nigerian tribe