[VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The forest fire in the Latrun area that began on Monday night was declared ‘under control’ 14 hours later, close to noontime on Tuesday, 21 Cheshvan.

B’chasdei Hashem, there was no loss of life, no injuries, and firefighters succeeded in preventing the fire from reaching the homes of N’vei Shalom and Nataf despite having ordered the evacuation of both communities. The blaze came dangerously close to both communities are firefighting efforts were hampered by strong winds.

Jerusalem Fire Department spokesman Udi Gal announced close to noon that the fire was finally declared ‘under control’ after battling it for 14 hours. Units responded from the capital and Beit Shemesh, assisted by eight firefighting planes and military firefighting planes. JNF firefighters and other personnel assist in the effort as well.

All said, 600 duman (150 acres) of forestry was destroyed in the fire.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)