Fire near Beit Shemesh: residents evacuated, Route 395 closed to traffic

A large brush fire broke out in a wooded area near Moshav Kesalon in the Mateh Yehuda region. About 30 firefighting crews and six aircraft are operating at the scene, and residents of the first line of houses have been evacuated. Route 395 has been closed to traffic from the Eshtaol Junction to HaStav. No injuries have been reported.

A large brush fire broke out today (Sunday) in a wooded area near Moshav Kesalon in the Mateh Yehuda region. Due to the intensity of the fire and its rate of spread, there is a danger to the line of houses in the moshav, and as the flames approached, the evacuation of the first line of houses in the 'Flames Scrolls' neighborhood began. Jerusalem Border Police forces, along with rescue services, are working to evacuate residents and ensure the safety of the population in the area. At this stage, no casualties have been reported. About 30 firefighting crews from the Jerusalem District are operating at the scene, assisted by six firefighting aircraft. The crews are focusing efforts on containing the spread of the fire, extinguishing hotspots, and protecting buildings. Support crews from Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and Holon are on their way to the scene to reinforce the forces. Following the fire, Route 395 has been closed towards Kesalon, from the Eshtaol Junction to HaStav. The police have called on drivers to avoid coming to the area and to follow the instructions of the forces on the ground. The Fire and Rescue Commissioner is closely monitoring the deployment of forces and directing operations at the scene.