EmergencyNet News Service Instant Update
09/06/96 - 12:00CDT
Urban Wildfire in Israel
Special Bulletin #1 16:14 Israeli Time
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A large fire is burning out of control in the Jerusalem corridor area. At this time, 11 persons have been treated on the scene
and/or transported for smoke inhalations. No serious injuries are being reported at this time. The injured persons were
taken to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem.
The area of Kiryat Anavim has already been evacuated. The area of northern Mevasseret Tzion is now being evacuated as
the large fire continues spreading. Today is an extremely hot and dry day, more than usual for this rime of year, and the
weather may be the cause of the blaze.
Large numbers of Border Policemen are deployed in the area and IDF Air Force helicopters are in the area, assisting to
control the blaze.One man, who was interviewed by Army Radio, stated the Fire Department was very late in responding
to the fire.
More information will be provided by SNS when we resume publication after the Jewish Sabbath.
Special Bulletin-2 17:00 Israeli Time
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Fire Department officials have reported getting the fire in the Kiryat Anavim area under control. The fire is still raging out of
control in other areas such as Givat HaChamisha and Abu Gosh. Residents of certain areas are still being evacuated from
their homes.
Officials report that 40 homes have already been destroyed from the fire. A great deal of criticism against the Fire
Department is already being heard. It is alleged that their initial response was too long and undermanned. Two persons
have been admitted to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem. Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem- Tel-Aviv Highway in the areas of the fire has been shut down. Motorists have been asked to drive with
their headlights on to improve visibility in the area, heavily covered with smoke. Helicopters and other Fire Department
vehicles are still working to get the blaze under control.
Army Radio- 5:00pm The fire started three hours ago at Kiryat Anavim. The etiology of the fire is still unknown. Internal
Security Minister Avigdor Kahalani is on the scene. Jerusalem Police District Commander, Aryeh Amit, stated he hopes
the fire will be under control soon.
40 homes and 2,000 dunams of land have been destroyed in the blaze. 12 persons have been reported lightly injured as a
result of smoke inhalation. Residents of Abu Gosh and Kiryat Anavim have been evacuated from their homes as well as
residents of northern Mevasseret Tzion.
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Information for this Report - Courtesy of the SNS News Service- http://www.borealis.com/sns