Wildfires near Jerusalem trigger national emergency, disrupting Independence Day celebrations in Israel
Wildfires erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, injuring dozens and prompting a national emergency in Israel. The fires disrupted Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, May 1, leading to evacuation in 12 towns near the city and closing the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway.
Israeli authorities regulating traffic amid wildfires on April 30, 2025. Image credit: Israel Police
Wildfires erupted near Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, prompting a national state of emergency as fast-moving fires burned over 2 500 ha (6 170 acres) in the Latrun and Sha’ar Hagai areas, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. At least 12 communities were placed under evacuation orders as the fires intensified under strong winds and dry vegetation.
The Israeli emergency medical service Magen David Adom reported treating more than 20 individuals, 13 of whom were transferred to hospitals since the fires began on April 30.
Two pregnant women and two infants were among those taken to hospitals. The alert level remains the highest, with hundreds of citizens remaining at risk across the region.
At least 17 firefighters sustained injuries while more than 150 firefighting teams from various agencies continued operations across the affected areas.
The fires caused structural damage across several locations and disrupted Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, May 1, with most official events canceled and hundreds of residents evacuated. At least 12 towns were placed under evacuation orders as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the incident a “national emergency”.
Local authorities went door to door asking citizens to evacuate areas at risk from the fires.
A nationwide ban on outdoor fires was implemented for Thursday, including barbecues, which are traditionally held during Independence Day celebrations in Israel.
Multiple roads were closed due to the fires, including the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Eyewitnesses reported people abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot as flames approached on Wednesday and Thursday.
Although the cause of the fires remains unknown, a man was arrested in East Jerusalem for attempting to start a fire, but authorities haven’t linked him to the larger blazes yet. The individual was arrested for trying to start a fire in an open field amid the burn ban.
Israeli authorities provided conflicting information regarding the cause of the fires. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that 18 individuals were arrested on suspicion of arson, while police reported that only three people were detained, none of whom were directly linked to the wildfires.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who oversees the fire department, has also suggested that arson might be involved after visiting the area.
אירועי השריפות – כוחות משטרה החלו לפנות את תושבי הקו הקדמי ביישוב אלעד, כמו כן, החלו פעולות פינוי של תושבי היישוב מבוא חורון ואזור פארק קנדה
— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) April 30, 2025
השר לביטחון לאומי, יחד עם מפכ"ל המשטרה, מפקד מחוז ירושלים, נציגי נציב כב"ה, נציגי מד"א ופקע"ר, מקיימים בשעה זו הערכת מצב משותפת בחפ"ק… pic.twitter.com/qTs1zsuCxE
More than 50 fire engines were deployed along with multiple helicopters and aircraft to subdue the fires. Foreign assistance was also requested from neighboring countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
While the French president Emmanuel Macron offered material support, Italy sent in 2 aircraft to aid in firefighting efforts, along with Croatia, which sent one aircraft.
Although the fires have largely been extinguished, the high winds and dry conditions continue to cause problems for the local authorities engaging the blaze. The evacuation orders have been lifted from the surrounding areas as of Friday, May 2.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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