The fires that broke out near Jerusalem Sunday have consumed some 4,200 acres, Israeli officials said Monday, adding that the fire has not yet been contained. Police is still searching for one missing person.
The commander of Jerusalem’s fire and rescue services, Nissim Twito, said the fire was caused by people, but didn’t specify whether it was deliberate arson or negligence.
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Twito added that it was one of the biggest fires since 2016, and that two houses had burned down since the fire started.
Thousands of residents from the communities of Giv’at Ye’arim, Ramat Raziel, Ksalon and Beit Meir were evacuated from their homes.
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As of mid-Monday morning, residents of Giv’at Ye’arim were granted permission to return home, said the police in a statement.
150 workers and patients at the Eitanim mental health facility were also evacuated, but were permitted to return on Monday. Emergency services treated three people for smoke inhalation.
The flames spread quickly on Sunday due to strong winds, leading to police and the military taking part in the efforts as well.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett abruptly ended a national security cabinet meeting to hold consultations on the spreading conflagration on Sunday as the fire was spreading.
Fire department chief Dedy Simhi praised his firefighters saying they were able to save several towns from “burning to the ground.”
Fire in Jerusalem, August 15, 2021.Ohad Zwigenberg Ohad Zwigenberg
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