Israel evacuates several towns as intense heat fuels wildfires

By Abdel Raouf Arnaout and Mohammad Sio

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli authorities evacuated residents of several towns in central Israel on Wednesday amid widespread wildfires sparked by soaring temperatures and strong winds.

Police shut down Route 38, a key traffic artery from central Israel to Jerusalem, and moved residents from the towns of Eshtaol, Beit Meir, and Mesilat Zion as a result of flames in the Beit Shemesh area.

The fire initially erupted near Moshav Tarum in central Israel and spread due to soaring temperatures and high winds.

“Dozens of firefighting teams, backed by aircraft, are struggling to extinguish a large fire in the area amid high temperatures and strong winds. The situation remains out of control,” the National Fire and Rescue Authority said.

Footage on social media showed crowds of people walking along the highway near Rehovot city surrounded by heavy smoke.

No injuries or property damage were reported in the fire.

The Israel Meteorological Service had warned of “harsh” weather conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, with potential record-breaking temperatures, exacerbating the fire risk.