Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service announced on May 1, Thursday evening that firefighters had finally gained control over the wildfires that had erupted in the hills around Jerusalem, more than 24 hours after they erupted mid-morning on Wednesday, April 30. The wildfires spread rapidly, disrupting Israeli Independence Day observances, transportation, and other activities yesterday, destroyed parks, and threatened hospitals and military bases. The heat and dry weather have made fighting the flames very difficult, according to Israeli news reports, and the fires have led to recriminations of government neglect of the fire services despite warnings over many years. Officials estimate that 5,000 acres burned, including 3,000 acres of forest land.
As for the cause of the fires, “We have absolutely no clue, and we are not yet dealing with this,” said commander of the Fire and Rescue Service’s Jerusalem District Shmulik Friedman last night.
A suspect, described as a 50-year-old resident of East Jerusalem’s Umm Tuba neighborhood, was arrested on suspicion of trying to ignite a fire in southern Jerusalem, after police received a tip that someone had been seen attempting to set fire to vegetation. Police said they found a lighter, cotton wool, and other flammable materials on his person. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has attributed the fires to climate change.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was deployed to help fight the fires, and the Foreign Ministry has reached out to neighboring countries for assistance. Eight firefighting aircraft were reported to be on their way from Italy and Cyprus.
