BREAKING NEWS

Fire reported in Eshtaol forest near Beit Shemesh

A brushfire in Eshtaol forest near Beit Shemesh was reported at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Eight firefighting teams and four planes are at the scene fighting the flames.

Jerusalem Fire Chief Nissim Twito called for reinforcements and for cross-regional cooperation in order to prevent today's eastern winds from potentially pushing the fire further westwards.

 Fire breaks out near Beit Shemesh, November 7, 2021. (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE JERUSALEM)
Fire breaks out near Beit Shemesh, November 7, 2021. (credit: FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE JERUSALEM)

Twito announced at about 12:00 that the fire had been contained.

"After taking quick action the firefighters succeeded in containing the fire. However, the teams will still need a lot of time in order to put out the fire," he said.

He added that the next two days' weather may worsen the situation as the Jerusalem district is in a transition season with strong eastern winds and dry weather. 

The fire was finally brought under complete control at about 14:00 p.m., after approximately 40 dunams of brush were burned down.