A man films wildfires burning for for the second day near Shoresh, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. Israel Fire and Rescue service said in a statement that 45 firefighting teams accompanied by eight planes were working to contain five fires in the forested hills west of the city. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Republished August 17, 2021 - 10:52 AM
Original Publication Date August 17, 2021 - 1:41 AM
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's national fire chief on Tuesday said a massive wildfire that has consumed a large swath of forest west of Jerusalem has been brought under control.
Dedi Simchi made the announcement after a three-day battle that required over 100 firefighting teams from across the country, over a dozen firefighting planes and even enlisted a small group of Palestinian firefighters in a rare instance of cooperation.
The fire burned over 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) of forest, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate their homes in several communities just outside Jerusalem. It was one of the largest wildfires in Israeli history.
Speaking to Channel 13 TV, the fire chief said the blaze was under control.
“We have put out the fire almost entirely,” he said. He said there were still isolated smoldering hotspots, and that firefighters would work throughout the night to ensure the blaze did not reignite.
Simchi said the blaze had been caused by “human actions,” but he stopped short of saying it was arson. Hot, dry weather and short winters in recent years have left the wooded hills near Jerusalem especially prone to wildfires.
When the fire broke out on Sunday, it covered Jerusalem with a massive black and orange cloud. Windy conditions, along with hot summer weather made it difficult for firefighters. Scores of firefighting crews from across the country were brought in, and the Israeli air force provided a Hercules transport aircraft to help by dropping chemicals to help stop the spread of the blaze.
On Monday, Israeli leaders appealed to international allies for help. But by Tuesday, officials said the assistance was no longer needed.
In a rare instance of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation, the Palestinian Authority in the neighboring West Bank sent five trucks and 20 firefighters to assist the Israelis.
Israel's defense minister, Benny Gantz, publicly thanked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"Mutual care and saving human lives are common interests to us all,” he said.
News from © The Associated Press, 2021