In Pics | National emergency declared in Israel as wildfires threaten Jerusalem

Wildfires near Jerusalem have been raging for a second day on Thursday (May 1) as firefighters battle the blaze. Police said that several major roads have been reopened after crews worked through the night to contain the fire.

The fires broke out on Wednesday (Apr 30) along the main Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, following which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency as the roads were shut and thousands of residents were evacuated from nearby communities.

Netanyahu warned that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, putting hundreds of civilians at risk. Authorities said that 163 ground crews and 12 aircraft were working to contain the flames.

“The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of (Jerusalem) -- and even into the city itself,” cautioned Netanyahu.

“We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines... We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one,” he added in a video statement. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem,” he said.

Rescue agency Magen David Adom said 23 people, two pregnant women and two babies under a year old, were treated on Wednesday (Apr 30), mostly for smoke inhalation and burn injuries. Seventeen firefighters were also injured, reported public broadcaster Kan.

The alert level had been raised to the highest tier as thick smoke billowed above highways near Jerusalem. Military troops have also been deployed to assist in controlling the wildfires that have injured several people.

Wildfires near Jerusalem have been raging for a second day on Thursday (May 1) as firefighters battle the blaze. Police said that several major roads have been reopened after crews worked through the night to contain the fire.

The fires broke out on Wednesday (Apr 30) along the main Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, following which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency as the roads were shut and thousands of residents were evacuated from nearby communities.

Netanyahu warned that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, putting hundreds of civilians at risk. Authorities said that 163 ground crews and 12 aircraft were working to contain the flames.

“The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of (Jerusalem) -- and even into the city itself,” cautioned Netanyahu.

“We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines... We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one,” he added in a video statement. “The priority right now is defending Jerusalem,” he said.

Rescue agency Magen David Adom said 23 people, two pregnant women and two babies under a year old, were treated on Wednesday (Apr 30), mostly for smoke inhalation and burn injuries. Seventeen firefighters were also injured, reported public broadcaster Kan.

The alert level had been raised to the highest tier as thick smoke billowed above highways near Jerusalem. Military troops have also been deployed to assist in controlling the wildfires that have injured several people.