Firefighters battled a massive brushfire near Beit Shemesh on Wednesday, working through the night to contain flames fueled by extreme heat and strong winds. While the situation remains challenging, authorities declared it safe for residents of Eshtaol, Beit Meir, and Mesilat Zion to return home after evacuations earlier in the day.
At least nine people were lightly injured, including seven firefighters, two civilians, and a police officer. Three firefighters and a policewoman were hospitalized.
The fire began near Moshav Tarum and quickly spread. Over 100 firefighting teams, supported by aircraft, including an Israel Air Force plane providing aerial mapping, fought the blaze. Reinforcements from northern districts were dispatched, along with emergency responders from the Home Front Command to assist evacuations.
By nightfall, several major roads, including Routes 38, 44, and 6, were reopened. Route 1 was briefly closed late in the evening for fire prevention efforts.
The Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Services issued an all-hands alert, with a Samson firefighting aircraft set to operate overnight. Fire crews continued working in Mesilat Zion and nearby areas to prevent the fire from spreading further.
The Israel Meteorological Service had warned of record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather, increasing wildfire risks. Most forest fires in Israel are human-caused, often due to negligence, and climate change is contributing to their growing frequency and severity.
A 2024 state audit criticized the Fire and Rescue Authority for poor investigative practices, noting that most fire causes remain undetermined, and many arson cases are closed without indictments.
As fires become a growing threat, the need for better prevention, investigation, and climate resilience grows more urgent.
