Israel brings Jerusalem-area wildfire under control after 30-hour battle; Risk of reignition remains

Israeli authorities announced on Friday that the massive wildfire near Jerusalem, which raged for over 30 hours and forced evacuations across multiple towns, has been brought under control. However, officials from Israel Fire and Rescue Services warned that the risk of reignition remains high due to ongoing dry conditions and strong winds expected over the weekend.

What Happened Near Jerusalem?

The wildfire broke out on April 30, 2025, around the Eshtaol forest region near Latrun, located approximately 16 kilometres west of Jerusalem. First reported around 2:15 PM local time, the blaze quickly spread across dry pine forests and farmland, engulfing over 25,000 dunams (approximately 6,170 acres) of land, much of it densely wooded.

The fire advanced rapidly due to low humidity, strong desert winds, and prolonged heat, endangering multiple residential areas including Neve Shalom, Ta’oz, and Beko’a. Evacuation orders were issued for at least nine communities, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes. Critical roads such as Highway 1—the major link between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv—and Highway 3 were shut temporarily, causing logistical disruptions during one of Israel’s busiest public holiday periods.

How Did the Wildfires Affect National Observances?

The wildfire’s timing disrupted Israel’s national Memorial Day and Independence Day commemorations. Several official events were either scaled down or cancelled altogether, including the symbolic torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl. Government officials confirmed that emergency crews were redirected from holiday duty to focus entirely on fire suppression and public safety operations.

The proximity of the fire to urban zones, as well as to strategic facilities in the Jerusalem corridor, heightened the national alert level. As smoke blanketed the city’s western outskirts, air quality deteriorated significantly, prompting health warnings from Israel’s Ministry of Health.

How Did Israel Respond to the Fire?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency by the evening of April 30, authorising the full mobilisation of firefighting forces. Over 160 fire crews were deployed alongside 12 firefighting aircraft. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) joined efforts by providing helicopters for aerial observation, bulldozers for firebreaks, and engineering support in evacuation zones.

As the scale of the fire grew, Israel activated international cooperation protocols under the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. Within 24 hours, firefighting aircraft from Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Ukraine, Romania, Cyprus, and North Macedonia began arriving to bolster operations.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel stated via official briefing that coordination between emergency services, IDF, and international teams helped prevent the fire from breaching the Green Line into western Jerusalem suburbs.

Were There Any Casualties or Structural Losses?

Despite the fire’s size and rapid spread, no residential structures were reported destroyed. Officials attributed this to early evacuation protocols and the swift creation of containment lines.

According to Israel’s national EMS, Magen David Adom, at least 23 individuals were treated for injuries related to smoke inhalation and minor burns. Among them were 17 firefighters who sustained injuries during overnight operations in heavily wooded zones. None of the injuries were classified as life-threatening.

However, agricultural losses were significant. Vineyards, orchards, and olive groves—many operated by religious and local communities—suffered fire damage. Dozens of livestock perished, and some irrigation systems were destroyed, causing concern over upcoming crop cycles.

What Caused the Wildfire?

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Early statements by fire department officials suggested that human negligence was the most probable cause, potentially from hikers or picnickers violating fire safety norms. Multiple ignition points are being examined.

However, political controversy ensued when Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that “deliberate incitement and arson” may be to blame. He instructed Israel Police and Shin Bet security agency to treat any confirmed arsonist as a domestic terrorist under national law.

As of May 2, three individuals have been detained on suspicion of setting fires intentionally, though their identities and motives remain under official gag order.

What Is the Current Fire Status?

Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi confirmed on Friday morning that the blaze is “largely under control,” with fire lines holding overnight and aerial teams tackling residual hotspots. The fire perimeter has been stabilised, and evacuation orders for all nine communities have been lifted.

Roads including Highway 1 and Highway 3 have reopened, and public transportation in the region has resumed. However, meteorologists from the Israel Meteorological Service caution that weekend weather conditions—featuring gusts up to 40 km/h and dry desert air—could trigger flare-ups in unburnt forest patches.

Fire teams remain stationed on-site for at least the next 72 hours to conduct patrols and rapidly suppress any reignition events.

What Are the Environmental Impacts?

Environmental groups including KKL-JNF (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund), which oversees major forest zones, estimate the fire destroyed approximately 20,000 dunams (4,940 acres) of forest. This includes sections of the Eshtaol and Aminadav forest belts, which play a crucial role in carbon capture and wildlife support.

According to preliminary ecological assessments, the fire has displaced or killed thousands of birds, reptiles, and small mammals, while long-term habitat destruction could take years to restore. Water quality near small reservoirs may also be compromised due to ash runoff.

President Isaac Herzog visited the scene on May 1 and called the wildfire a “clear signal” of the need to address the climate crisis. He urged lawmakers to increase funding for fire prevention and environmental resilience, while pledging presidential support for reforestation efforts.

How Is Israel Preparing for Future Wildfire Risks?

The National Emergency Authority (NEMA) is expected to submit a post-incident review to the Knesset within the week, including recommendations on firebreak policy, rural evacuation systems, and drone-based surveillance infrastructure.

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has advocated for stricter summer-time forest access regulations, including the potential use of satellite imagery to detect ignition risks early. A 2022 report by the State Comptroller already criticised fire-readiness protocols, and this incident may renew debate over resource allocation to regional firefighting units.

Meanwhile, the IDF Home Front Command has proposed joint emergency simulations with Greece and Cyprus to strengthen cross-border disaster response in the Mediterranean basin.