Large fire near Tzur Hadassah near Beitar Illit: 400 families evacuated

June 4, 2021   

Starting this morning (Friday), numerous firefighting teams from the Beit Shemesh station, Jerusalem and other districts have been working to extinguish a huge forest fire near the settlement of Tzur Hadassah - located near the Haredi city of Beitar Illit. The fire is about fifty dunams in size and as of 4:00 PM, the fire is spreading towards Wadi Puchin. Firefighters are working in two main areas: the 'Har Kitron' area and in the area of ​​'Talalim' and 'Haresh' streets, from where about 400 families were evacuated from their homes. The main operational effort is focused on protecting the community and preventing the fire from spreading towards Beitar Illit. 10 aircraft from the aerial firefighting unit, a contract helicopter from the Israel Police, and more than 30 teams totaling 66 firefighters are operating at the scene, including mutual aid from the Central, Dan, and Judea and Samaria districts. Firefighters continue their stubborn fight against the fierce flames and the fire that is spreading under the cover of strong winds. A flame unit under the command of Lieutenant Commander Doron Elmashli was dispatched to the incident in Tzur Hadassah. The unit's fighters on site are assisting in protecting the line of houses and serving as an "Armageddon" standby force for fire crews operating in the various sectors. As mentioned, several streets in the community were evacuated, and residents arrived at a sports hall located in an area relatively remote from the fire. Horses and animals were also released from a farm located at the scene. The heavy smoke created as a result of the fire reaches as far as the nearby city of Beitar Illit and To the settlements of Gush Etzion and Efrat. Highway 375 Tzur Hadassah Square to the west was closed to traffic following the forest fire but has reopened. Israel Police officers are on site and directing traffic.

Photo: Nati Shohat, Flash90

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