Israel has reportedly declared a national emergency over the out-of-control wildfires in Jerusalem.
The country’s fire and rescue services are said to be battling at full force in all fire centers in the area of Shfelet Yehuda. At the moment, 155 firefighting teams are said to be working to extinguish the blaze.
They said the Elad Squadron’s firefighting planes were making rounds over the major hotspots and near settlements in order to cut off the fire from the residences.
Over 20 ambulances assisted in evacuating nursing home patients as wildfires blaze on. The country has similarly made an international appeal for aid in what is being described as its biggest wildfire in history.
There are also mass evacuation plans being carried out around the city of Jerusalem as per directives issued by the Ministry of Health, while ensuring the safety of patients and continuity of medical care remains top priority.
So far, dozens have been hospitalized, and many were seen on social media abandoning their cars and running for their lives as the blaze suddenly picked up the pace and started to spread quickly. Thick plumes of smoke can be seen billowing from hilltops.