Fire Rages in Ksalon Near Beit Shemesh: 'Fire Strike' Declared, Residents Evacuated
Amid a severe heat wave, a wildfire broke out in a wooded area near Moshav Ksalon. Approximately 30 firefighting teams and aerial units are battling the blaze. Due to the threat to property, the first line of homes in the Magilot HaEsh neighborhood has been evacuated.
A wildfire broke out on Sunday afternoon near Moshav Ksalon in the Beit Shemesh area. Fire and rescue services reported an immediate threat to homes in the moshav, prompting the evacuation of the first line of houses in the Magilot HaEsh neighborhood.
Approximately 30 firefighting teams, supported by 6 firefighting aircraft, have been dispatched to the scene. The fire and rescue services have declared a state of "fire strike."
"Our teams are focusing efforts on containing the fire's spread and protecting structures. The Fire and Rescue Commissioner is on-site, closely monitoring the deployment of forces and directing operations," the service stated.
Israel Police confirmed that Border Police units from the Jerusalem District are assisting with the evacuation. Highway 395 has been closed to traffic from the Eshtaol junction to Etztof. The Mateh Yehuda Regional Council stated that emergency response teams are on the ground and the local community center is open to accommodate residents.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency crews to operate effectively.
The fire comes at the height of a severe heat wave affecting the entire country. Afternoon winds have further complicated firefighting efforts, particularly in mountainous and inland regions. While temperatures are expected to drop slightly in the coming days, hot conditions will persist until Thursday, when they are forecast to return to seasonal norms.
