Wildfires Force Evacuations in Jezreel Valley and West Bank, Destroy Homes and Fire Truck

A rapidly advancing wildfire that began in the West Bank moved into a residential zone on Saturday, damaging roughly 13 houses and several vehicles, among them a fire engine, according to Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

The blaze first erupted at the Gilad Farm in Samaria. Police evacuated local residents and closed a section of Highway 55 while crews worked to bring the fire under control. No major casualties were reported, although a number of residents received treatment for smoke inhalation.

“The Shi’a District police officers are continuing at this time, together with the firefighters of the Fire Department, in operations to gain control of the raging fire, evacuate residents and maintain order while directing traffic,” a police spokesperson said.

Twenty-seven fire and rescue teams are on site, supported by one helicopter and four firefighting planes. The fire started near Kedumim and is moving quickly.

“The fire moved quickly under the protection of the winds and passed the first line of houses,” Israel Fire and Rescue Services added.

Three more fires break out in northern Israel

Meanwhile, residents of the front-row homes in the Shimshit settlement in the Jezreel Valley were evacuated because of a second fire in adjacent open land.

Twelve firefighting teams are tackling the flames there, with planes from the aerial firefighting squadron deployed to help.

Strong winds and dry forest conditions are accelerating the spread of the fires. Authorities advised remaining residents, not in the front line, to stay inside with windows shut, noting there was no immediate threat to Shimshit.

“We are focusing the main effort on containing the fire that is spreading on two fronts,” said Ofer Edri, Nof HaGalil fire chief. “In combination with ground forces, firefighting aircraft and KKL-JNF teams, we are working to take control of the fire centers and prevent them from spreading to residential homes. At this stage, there is no danger to homes in the community.”

Two additional fires ignited in northern Israel around the same time—one in the village of Vradim and another near Mount Tabor by the Shibli settlement. Sixteen fire and rescue teams were sent to those locations.

“After a great effort by firefighters, firefighting aircraft, and allied forces, we were able to contain the events and stop the spread of the fire,” said Northern District Fire and Rescue Commander Capt. Yair Elkayim. “At this time, we are concentrating our efforts on the fire near Shiebli, and I hope that we will achieve control in the coming hours.”

Elkayim also spoke about the West Bank fire.

“At the same time, the firefighting teams in the district are on alert and on standby for an event near Kedumim in the Judea and Samaria district,” he added.

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