Massive Wildfire in Judean Hills Rages into Second Day: 126 Fire Crews Battling Blaze

The battle against one of Israel’s largest wildfires resumed Thursday morning as 126 firefighting teams continue to combat massive blazes in the Judean Hills and Plains. The fire, which erupted Wednesday morning and rapidly spread due to high winds and dry conditions, has scorched approximately 20,000 dunams, according to the Jewish National Fund (JNF).

As of noon, crews are operating in six primary areas: Burma Road, Eshtaol, Martyrs’ Forest, Canada Park, Sha’ar Hagai, and the Shoresh/Neve Ilan/Naft entrances. Authorities are urgently attempting to bring the fire under control before strong westerly winds—forecast to reach gusts of 55 km/h—return this afternoon.

“The weather is in our favor,” said Boaz Rakieh, Commander of the Dan District Fire and Rescue Department. “Humidity has reached 80%, which helps suppress the fire. We’re using every available resource by air and ground.”

Thousands Allowed to Return Home

Following successful overnight progress, police reopened all roads previously closed due to the fires, including Highways 1, 3, and 38. Evacuation orders have been lifted for around 10,000 residents, including those from Shoresh, Neve Ilan, Yad Hashmona, Mesilat Zion, Beit Meir, and Mevo Horon. Train service to Jerusalem has also resumed.

More than 100 vehicles abandoned on Highway 1 during yesterday’s chaos were towed to the Latrun parking area. Police have deployed security teams to prevent looting of the vehicles.

International Aid Arriving, Weather Still a Challenge

Foreign assistance is beginning to arrive, though the process remains slow:

• A Cypriot Bell-412 police firefighting helicopter is expected around 1:00 PM.

• A CL-415 firefighting plane from Croatia will follow, with additional aircraft from Italy scheduled to arrive later.

• France has offered two CL-410 planes, though their arrival is not yet confirmed.

• Britain is also considering aid.

An estimated 40 international personnel are en route to assist. Despite favorable conditions early in the day, weather forecasts predict increasing wind speeds from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, shrinking the critical window for containment.

Widespread Forest Safety Warnings Issued

The JNF has reported massive damage to forested areas, particularly in Canada Park and the Eshtaol Forest. According to Anat Gold, Director of the JNF Central Region, “This is one of the largest fires in the country… an event of unprecedented magnitude.”

In response, the JNF has closed numerous forests and parks to the public, including:

• Ayalon Canada Park, Ben Shemen Forest, Lehi Forest, Ha-Hamisha, Neve Ilan, Hulda Forest, Mata, Britannia Park, Adulam Park, Martyrs’ Forest, and others.

• "Staying in these areas is dangerous and may endanger human lives, as well as hinder emergency response efforts,” the JNF stated.

JNF Chairwoman Yifat Ovadia-Lusky called it “a national emergency” and urged the public to comply with safety instructions:

“Our forests are burning, and our country is burning—precisely on Independence Day. But we are there, with all our strength.”

Hospitals, Police, and IDF Mobilized

Assaf Harofeh Hospital confirmed that three people remain hospitalized following smoke inhalation near Sha’ar Hagai. Nine others were treated and discharged.

The IDF, police, and fire departments continue to operate in coordination, with local and military helicopters patrolling, and engineering teams deployed to assist with logistics.

Possible Re-Ignition in Eshtaol Forest

Fire and rescue services have launched an investigation into the fire’s cause. The Shin Bet is assisting, though officials have stressed that no clear evidence of arson has yet emerged. The fire began at the same spot in the Eshtaol Forest where a blaze occurred last week, raising the possibility of a re-ignition.

Fire Ban Remains in Effect Nationwide

The Fire and Rescue Authority has reiterated a nationwide ban on lighting fires in open areas, except in specifically designated zones approved by local authorities. This includes restrictions on bonfires and barbecues, especially around forests.

Jerusalem Police Fire Officer Eliyahu Levy reminded the public:“ The situation remains volatile. Even with improving weather, we urge strict compliance with fire bans and safety instructions.”