Israel/Palestinian Terr.:: Authorities evacuate thousands due to widespread wildfires October 9

Event

Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across Israel and the West Bank on Friday, October 9, amid an intense heatwave. At least six communities have been evacuated and a section of the Route 6 highway closed due to the wildfires. Two people have received minor injuries due to smoke inhalation. One fire is threatening the West Bank settlement of Kfar HaOranim near the city of Modi'in, where four houses have caught fire and all residents from the community evacuated. Another large fire has been reported near Umm al-Qutuf, east of Hadera, with residents being evacuated in the village and surrounding areas. Two more fires are burning in the northern community of Nof Hagalil and another near the settlements of Mevo Dotan and Maoz Zvi. Route 6 was closed near Bat Hefer, where further evacuations took place. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has been deployed in some areas to aid firefighting efforts and assist with the evacuation of citizens.

Further spread of the fires is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fires are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders.