People drive through flames, abandon vehicles on highway in Israel

STORY: :: People drive through flames as wildfires approach a highway in Israel

:: April 30, 2025

:: Central Israel

Wildfires due to extreme heat and winds broke out near Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of communities and the closure of a main highway, as Israel was observing Memorial Day and many Israelis visited gravesites.

Israeli media reported that 120 fire and rescue services had mobilized dozens of firefighting teams, aircraft and helicopters to try to contain the fires. They noted that 12 people were injured from smoke inhalation, while Israel has asked at least five countries for help - Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and Cyprus.