A series of devastating wildfires in the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council west of Jerusalem started on Wednesday, causing significant damage and injuries.

Vast areas were consumed by flames, spurring evacuations, injuries, and suspicions of arson-led origins, the Christian Post reported.

The wildfires began last Wednesday, affecting the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council, which lies to the west of Jerusalem. The fires rapidly spread, fueled by high temperatures and strong dry winds known locally as “hamsin” in Arabic or "sharav" in Hebrew. These conditions exacerbated the wildfires, leading to a challenging situation for firefighters and local authorities.

Due to the severity of the wildfires, approximately 20,000 dunam (20 square kilometers) of land were scorched, including significant parts of Ayalon-Canada Park. This extensive damage prompted immediate and substantial firefighting efforts involving 93 teams across various locations in the region.

Residents Return Home as Danger Recedes

After intense firefighting efforts, the advancement of the flames was halted by Thursday afternoon. This improvement allowed residents from nearly a dozen evacuated communities to return home safely. Among the broader efforts to manage the crisis, all major roads, including Highway 1 that connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were reopened after temporary closures caused significant disruptions.

The fires not only posed a threat to homes and wildlife but also resulted in injuries. A total of 21 firefighters suffered injuries during their brave efforts to control and extinguish the massive blazes. Their condition and the nature of the injuries were not specified, but their dedication played a crucial role in mitigating further disaster.

Arson Suspected by Authorities in Wildfire Outbreak

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the suspicion of arson as a significant factor in causing the wildfires. In a statement, Netanyahu said, "This is not a simple matter. There are natural damages, and there are also human injuries. We are currently holding 18 people who are suspected of arson, with one who was caught in the act." His comments underscored the complexity and severity of the situation.

From the individuals detained, only three have been directly linked to the arson incidents, according to police sources. This has raised questions and concerns within the community and among officials about the motive and the prevention of such incidents in the future.

Furthermore, investigations revealed that there were online incitations to commit arson on Arabic-language social media platforms after the fires had started, indicating a possible premeditated aspect to some of the fires. This aspect of the investigation is part of a broader effort to understand the full context of these destructive fires.

International Aid Bolsters Local Firefighting Efforts

The severity of the wildfires prompted international aid, with firefighting teams arriving from Cyprus, including a helicopter that joined the operations around noon on Thursday. Anticipated support from Italy, Croatia, Greece, and France was also expected to reinforce the ongoing efforts to completely extinguish the remaining fires.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Home Front Command provided additional support, offering logistical and strategic assistance through their network, which was crucial in managing the emergency. The cooperation extended to using engineering tools and resources to create firebreaks to prevent the further spread of the fires and protect vulnerable communities.

As the fires recede, the efforts of international teams and local authorities have shifted towards recovery and further investigations into the causes of the fires. The community's focus remains on rebuilding and preventing future tragedies as they return to normalcy after a tumultuous few days.