Latest news with #ShmulikFriedman
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Jerusalem wildfires latest: Israel says firefighters winning 30-hour battle as blaze largely contained
Raging wildfires that threatened Jerusalem are finally under control, Israel's fire and rescue service has said, following a 30-hour battle as aid arrived from Europe. About 5,000 acres, including 3,000 acres of forest, have been scorched since the blaze started in the hills outside the city on Wednesday. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the situation a national emergency, pleading for international aid. Firefighter planes from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia and Italy were sent to tackle the blaze, with reports saying that Ukraine, Spain, France and some other nations were also committed to sending aid. The cause of the fires remained unclear, although Mr Netanyahu said that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of igniting the fires. At least a dozen people have been hospitalised and 10 have been treated in the field by medical professionals. 'This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,' Jerusalem 's district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. Watch: Israeli military tackles blazing wildfires Israeli military tackles blazing wildfires as Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway blocked Israel's military and emergency services tackled a raging wildfire as it shut the main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, 30 April. The blaze originated in Eshtaol Forest on Wednesday (30 April) and spread quickly due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. A Jerusalem fire department spokesperson described the fire as potentially the largest ever in the country. Wildfires coincided with Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations, leading to the cancellation of ceremonies on Thursday including a major event at Mount Herzl. Stuti Mishra2 May 2025 08:33 What caused the 'largest' wildfires in Israel? Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting fires outside Jerusalem, with one allegedly caught in the act of arson, as the country battled possibly its worst ever wildfires. 'This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,' Jerusalem's district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. While the exact cause of the fires near Latrun was still unclear, Mr Netanyahu said the blaze was 'not a simple thing'. What caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects as arson link probed Benjamin Netanyahu says one suspect caught in the act Stuti Mishra2 May 2025 08:32 Israel wildfires mapped Israel is grappling with one of its largest wildfires ever, prompting a national emergency to be declared as the uncontrolled blaze draws close to Jerusalem. The blaze erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday, starting in the Eshtaol Forest near Mesilat Zion and rapidly spreading due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. 'This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,' Jerusalem's district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. My colleague Stuti Mishra maps the wildfires here: Fire is being whipped up by strong winds and hot, dry weather Tara Cobham2 May 2025 07:15 In pictures: Destruction wreaked by wildfires in Jerusalem Climate change made Israel's wildfires worse, official says Anat Gold, the director of Israel's central region for the Jewish National Fund, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, which manages forests, plants trees, and promotes settlement in the Holy Land, said the fire was mostly contained. But she added that workers were struggling to plow buffer zones and fire breaks as the same spots ignited repeatedly in the quickly changing winds. Gold said the climate crisis, which has resulted in decreased rainfall in the region, contributed to the fire's ferocity. 'Of course when there's a series of drought years, it's a fertile ground for fires,' she said. In 2010, a massive forest fire burned for four days on northern Israel's Mount Carmel, claiming 44 lives and destroying around 12,000 acres, much of it woodland. Stuti Mishra2 May 2025 06:40 Catholic communities return after fire risk reduces Three Catholic religious communities who were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate. He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage, and some of the buildings were damaged. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected. 2 May 2025 05:45 Wildfires near Jerusalem largely contained The major wildfires near Jerusalem have been largely contained, said the Jewish National Fund, which manages forests in the country, though firefighting efforts continue to address remaining hotspots. Evacuation orders have been lifted, and major highways, including the main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have reopened. International assistance has bolstered firefighting efforts, with countries such as Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Ukraine, Romania, North Macedonia, and Cyprus sending firefighting aircraft. Stuti Mishra2 May 2025 04:58 Evacuation order lifted on dozen towns in Jerusalem hills on Thursday Israel's fire and rescue authority lifted the evacuation order on approximately a dozen towns in the Jerusalem hills on Thursday. Three Catholic religious communities who were forced to evacuate from their properties on Wednesday were also able to return on Thursday, said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate. He said their agricultural lands, including vineyards and olive trees, suffered heavy damage, and some of the buildings were damaged. But there were no injuries, and historic churches were not affected. The main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv reopened on Thursday, a day after the flames had encroached on the road, forcing drivers to abandon their cars and flee in terror. On Thursday morning, broad swathes of burned areas were visible from the highway, while pink anti-flame retardant dusted the top of burned trees and bushes. Smoke and the smell of fire hung heavy in the air. Tara Cobham2 May 2025 04:30 Watch: Israel wildfires close key Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway as flames turn sky grey Tara Cobham2 May 2025 04:00 What caused the Israel wildfires? At least 18 suspects arrested over possible arson link Israel 's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of starting fires outside Jerusalem, with one allegedly caught in the act of arson, as the country battled possibly its worst ever wildfires. 'This is perhaps the largest fire ever in the country,' Jerusalem's district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. While the exact cause of the fires near Latrun was still unclear, Mr Netanyahu said the blaze was 'not a simple thing'. My colleague Maroosha Muzaffar reports:
The National
01-05-2025
- Climate
- The National
Fires rage around Jerusalem as Israel calls for international assistance
Firefighters in Israel are battling what authorities said might be the largest wildfire in the country's history, which has so far forced the evacuation of seven communities and burnt nearly 2,500 hectares of land. Dozens have been injured in the blazes which began on Wednesday morning and are concentrated in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Some drivers who were forced to abandon their cars on motorways were among the injured. All roads have been reopened and authorities allowed evacuated residents to return late on Thursday morning, but firefighters say the situation is still not under control. 'We are amid a very large wildfire, maybe the largest there has ever been in this country,' said Shmulik Friedman, the commander in charge of firefighting in the Jerusalem area. 'Our activity will continue for a very long time. We are far from having control.' By Thursday afternoon, 76 fire and rescue teams were operating in five areas. At least 10 firefighting aircraft were involved. Authorities said that a Cypriot helicopter had arrived to join firefighting operations in the Jerusalem Mountains area, and that a total of eight aircraft were expected to arrive from Cyprus and Italy on Thursday. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X that he had spoken to the foreign ministers of Argentina, Spain and the UK, among others, about providing aircraft to help fight the fires. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed 'full solidarity with the Israeli people facing terrible fires' and said Paris was ready to provide assistance 'in the coming hours'. President Isaac Herzog said the wildfires were in part the result of climate change. Intense, dry heat and high winds have also been blamed. A number of events for Israel's Independence Day have been cancelled. Authorities have banned people from visiting parks and forests, and from lighting fires in public places. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the fires could 'easily' reach the outskirts of Jerusalem or even the city itself. Speaking at an event in Jerusalem later on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu said 18 people had been arrested on suspicion of arson. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that only three people had been arrested in connection with the possible lighting of fires. Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the fires. On Wednesday evening, Israel's police arrested a 50-year-old resident of East Jerusalem on suspicion of attempted arson. Police said he was found with a lighter and flammable materials. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the occupied West Bank, offered to help in the firefighting effort, as has happened in previous instances. Many of the affected areas border Palestinian territory, where an Israeli military presence and a lack of resources could hamper any emergency response. Mr Friedman on Thursday voiced concerns that 'the winds will strengthen and the fire will return'. 'We will need to continue working at least until Saturday,' he said. Fire and Rescue commissioner Eyal Caspi said on Wednesday evening that the firefighting effort was hampered by the weather, which stopped planes from being used at first. 'Humidity is extremely low. We invested tremendous efforts in the Latrun fire and several firefighters were injured,' he added. Brother Daniel from the Latrun Monastery told The National that his community was forced to flee on Wednesday afternoon to a nearby monastery in Abu Gosh and to Jerusalem. Normally, the Catholic monks spend most of the day in strict silence and make a living from selling olive oil, wine and other products. 'Thank God our buildings were not affected, but our olive groves have been partly burnt, our vineyards a bit as well. We can replant and replace all this, the most important is that we are able to continue to our vocations here,' said Brother Daniel. 'The most difficult thing was seeing property we invested a lot of time in being burnt, but it's what God decreed. What is touching is seeing how many people are supporting us, calling us, offering us help. 'It shows us that we need to stay loyal to this place and our vocation,' he added. 'From what I can remember, we once had a fire in the cellar but that must have been some 30 years ago. This is the first time fire has really affected our property.'
Observer
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Observer
Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day, but main highway reopens
Israeli firefighters were battling wildfires around Jerusalem for a second day on Thursday. Crews are still working at six major fire sites, the Fire and Rescue Authority said, adding that at least 17 firefighters have been injured and required medical treatment. Large areas of land near Jerusalem have burned, charring fields and forests around the city. Firefighting planes from Cyprus, Italy and Croatia have been dispatched to assist the efforts. Conditions have improved in some areas, allowing roads previously closed due to thick smoke - including the main highway between TelAviv and Jerusalem - to reopen. Train services to and from Jerusalem have resumed, according to the Israeli railway company, and some residents of affected areas have been allowed to return to their homes. The Ynet news site reported that over 100 cars abandoned during the chaos on Wednesday have been towed away. Videos showed people fleeing from their cars on the road, leaving their vehicles behind. The cause of the fires remains unclear. Jerusalem's district fire department commander Shmulik Friedman called the set of fires"perhaps the largest" in the country's history. After a heatwave, temperatures have dropped, but strong winds are expected later Thursday, raising fears of renewed flare-ups,according to the Israeli weather service. Israel has experienced deadly wildfires in the past, including a 2010 blaze in the northern Carmel mountain range that killed more than 40 people. Fires are common in forests around Jerusalem.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
High winds forecast as Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day
Israeli firefighters were battling wildfires around Jerusalem for a second day on Thursday and hoped to bring them under control in the course of the day despite fears they could spread due to the weather. Crews were still working at six major fire sites, the Fire and Rescue Authority said, adding that at least 21 firefighters have been injured and required medical treatment. Large areas of land near Jerusalem have burnt, charring fields and forests around the city. Firefighting planes have arrived from Cyprus, and further aircraft have been dispatched from Italy and Croatia and were expected to arrive later in the day in order to assist the efforts. Conditions have improved in some areas, allowing roads previously closed due to thick smoke — including the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — to reopen. Train services to and from Jerusalem have resumed, according to the Israeli railway company, and some residents of affected areas have been allowed to return to their homes. The Ynet news site reported that over 100 cars abandoned during the chaos on Wednesday have been towed away. Videos showed people fleeing from their cars on the road, leaving their vehicles behind. Some 2,000 hectares of land, mainly forest areas, have burnt so far, the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) said, and there were photos of charred fields and woodland in Israeli media. The cause of the fires remains unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that 18 suspects have so far been arrested on charges of arson, according to reports. However, several Israeli media reported that emergency services had arrested a total of three people, citing police sources. Several people were treated for smoke-related injuries. Jerusalem's district fire department commander, Shmulik Friedman, called the group of fires 'perhaps the largest' in the country's history. After a heatwave, temperatures have dropped, but strong winds are expected later Thursday, raising fears of renewed flare-ups, according to the Israeli weather service. Israel has experienced deadly wildfires in the past, including a 2010 blaze in the northern Carmel mountain range that killed more than 40 people. Fires are common in forests around Jerusalem.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel's ‘largest ever' wildfires close in on Jerusalem
Israel's 'largest ever' wildfires are rapidly closing in on Jerusalem, prompting Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a national emergency and the foreign minister to call for international assistance. Firefighters and the Israeli military continued to battle the inferno raging on the outskirts of the city on Thursday morning, with fire crews had working almost without a break for over 24 hours. Shmulik Friedman, the Jerusalem fire brigade commander, said the blaze around the city 'may be the largest there has ever been in this country'. 'It will continue for a very long time. We are far from having control,' he added. The severity of the situation led the Israeli prime minister to declare on Thursday that 'we are now in a national emergency, not just a local one'. 'The priority right now is defending Jerusalem,' he added. According to estimates by the Jewish Nation Fund, some 5,000 acres of land were burned on the first day of the crisis, which began at around 9.30am local time on Wednesday near the city of Beit Shemesh. High winds quickly spread the flames to surrounding areas. Chaos erupted on Highway 1, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with the inferno causing people to leave their cars behind and flee the road on foot. Officials are still unsure of how the fires began, but the police and the intelligence services are investigating the possibility of arson after calls went on Arab social media encouraging Palestinians to fan the flames. The police arrested a man from an Arab neighbourhood in East Jerusalem on Wednesday after he allegedly attempted to start a fire in a field south of the city. Officers 'immediately to a report from a civilian who spotted the suspect', the Jerusalem police department said. 'Upon seeing the police, he tried to flee but was caught after a short pursuit. A lighter, cotton and additional incendiary materials were found in his possession,' it added. Mr Netanyahu's son meanwhile suggested, without any proof, that Left-wing activists could have started the fires. 'Something here is suspicious. The kaplanist Left has been frantically trying in recent weeks to cancel Independence Day celebrations and the torch-lighting ceremony,' Yair Netanyahu wrote on X, with Left-wing protesters often referred to as 'kaplanists' because of the Tel Aviv street they sometimes demonstrate on. Isaac Herzog, Israel's president, said that the fire was caused by climate change. The climate crisis 'must not be ignored. It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions – including appropriate legislation', he said. Israeli officials have evacuated several towns in the area and dozens of people have been injured, although no deaths have so far been reported. The Channel 12 TV station has also evacuated its staff from a studio in Neve Ilan near Jerusalem. Israel's military has provided dozens of engineering vehicles 'to form fire lines to prevent the fire from spreading into other areas'. The army also supplied water tanks, while the air force sent C-130J Super Hercules heavy transport planes to participate in firefighting efforts. Gideon Sa'ar, the foreign minister, contacted more than a dozen countries on Wednesday for help. Authorities are now expecting to receive assistance from countries including France, Argentina, Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Spain. The first eight firefighting planes were expected to arrive on Thursday from Cyprus and Italy. The fires began as Israel was preparing to celebrate its 77th Independence Day, which usually sees people taking to parks and forests for barbecues. On Thursday, however, a nationwide ban on barbecues and open fires was issued. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
