The large forest fire in the Jerusalem corridor near Abu Gosh on Tuesday afternoon 19 Sivan appears to have been arson. According to preliminary findings by fire investigators, the blaze appears to have been started intentionally at several different locations.

17 fire apparatus responded to the large blaze which compelled the closure of Highway 1 from Jerusalem to Abu Gosh in the direction of Tel Aviv for a period of time. Firefighting planes took part in the effort to control the blaze as well. B’chasdei Hashem there are no reports of loss of life or injuries.

Israel Police spokesman Mickey Levy reported on Tuesday afternoon that over 200 acres of forestry was destroyed in the fire.

Firefighting officials last month announced that arson is becoming increasingly popular among terrorists seeking to carry out attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)