Fourteen teams of firefights are working to control forest fires next to Jerusalem’s Har Hamenuchot cemetery and in the Jerusalem Forest.

Firefighting planes have also been summoned to assist.

The blaze in the Jerusalem Forest is quickly spreading due to a strong eastern wind. The emergency workers are trying to prevent the first from approaching residential buildings and infrastructure. At this time there are no reports of casualties.

As a result of the fire, Highway 1 has been blocked from the Sakharov Gardens to the entrance to the city. Traffic is being redirected to the Erezim Tunnel.

The following roads have also been blocked off: Akiva Azoulay, Kanfei Nesharim, Menachem Hafsadi and Magenei Yerushalayim.