A fast-moving wildfire in the West Bank spread into a residential area on Saturday, setting about 13 homes on fire and damaging several vehicles, including a fire truck, Israel Fire and Rescue Services said.
The fire originally broke out at the Gilad Farm in Samaria. Police evacuated residents and blocked part of Highway 55, as firefighters work to contain the blaze. No serious injuries were reported, though several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, Ynet reported.
"The Shi'a District police officers are continuing at this time, together with the firefighters of the Fire Department, in operations to gain control of the raging fire, evacuate residents and maintain order while directing traffic," a police spokesperson said.
Twenty-seven fire and rescue teams are currently working at the scene, assisted by a helicopter and four firefighting aircraft, Maariv reported. The fire originated near Kedumim and is spreading rapidly.
"The fire moved quickly under the protection of the winds and passed the first line of houses," Israel Fire and Rescue Services added.
Three more fires break out in northern Israel
At the same time, residents were evacuated from the first line of houses in the Shimshit settlement in the Jezreel Valley due to a second fire in a nearby open area.
Twelve firefighting teams are working to contain the flames there, while aircraft from the aerial firefighting squadron have been launched to assist in firefighting efforts, according to Maariv.
Similarly, the fires are spreading more rapidly due to strong winds and forest protection. The rest of the residents not on the first line were told to stay indoors and keep all windows closed after authorities reported there is no direct threat to the Shimshit settlement.
"We are focusing the main effort on containing the fire that is spreading on two fronts," said Ofer Edri, Nof HaGalil fire chief. "In combination with ground forces, firefighting aircraft and KKL-JNF teams, we are working to take control of the fire centers and prevent them from spreading to residential homes. At this stage, there is no danger to homes in the community."
Two other fires broke out in northern Israel around the same time, one in the village of Vradim and one in the Mount Tabor area, near the settlement of Shibli. Maariv reported that a total of 16 fire and rescue teams were dispatched to the two areas.
"After a great effort by firefighters, firefighting aircraft, and allied forces, we were able to contain the events and stop the spread of the fire," said Northern District Fire and Rescue Commander Capt. Yair Elkayim. "At this time, we are concentrating our efforts on the fire near Shiebli, and I hope that we will achieve control in the coming hours."
Elkayim also referenced the West Bank blaze.
"At the same time, the firefighting teams in the district are on alert and on standby for an event near Kedumim in the Judea and Samaria district," he added.