"The fire is advancing rapidly": Fire near Ben Shemen, Highways 1 and 6 blocked
14 teams and 4 firefighting aircraft are operating at the scene to contain the fire spreading rapidly due to the winds. Highway 6 has been blocked in both directions near the Daniel Interchange and Highway 1 has been closed eastbound. The Fire and Rescue Services called on the public to avoid arriving in the area.
The Fire and Rescue Services announced at noon (Tuesday) that Highway 6 has been blocked in the Ben Shemen Forest area following a fire. Highway 1 eastbound has also been blocked. 14 firefighting teams are operating at the scene with the assistance of four firefighting aircraft to contain the fire, which is spreading rapidly due to the winds. The Fire and Rescue Services called on the public to avoid arriving in the area and to obey the instructions of the security and rescue forces.
"Firefighters from the Ayalon station are currently operating at an open-field fire spreading in the Ben Shemen Forest area, near Highway 6. Heavy smoke and high flames are visible from a distance," it was stated.
The road has been blocked in both directions near the Daniel Interchange. The police stated that the road has been hermetically sealed, and traffic is being diverted to Highway 444. In addition, Highway 1 eastbound in the Ben Shemen area has also been closed to vehicle traffic, and traffic is being diverted to Highway 443. "The driving public is requested not to arrive in the area, to use navigation apps, and to choose alternative routes," it was stated.
