Terrorists have learned there are more way to perpetrate terrorism against Israel than shooting and bombs, and this summer, one of the methods that is becoming increasingly popular is arson.

The first blaze that broke out on Wednesday, was in the eastern Carmel region. Many firefighters on the ground assisted by planes worked to extinguish that forestry blaze. This blaze is under investigation.

The second fire began at almost the same time near Even Sapir, a community near Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim. Police responded immediately and began evacuating people in the forest area of Even Sapir, later doing the same for homes in the community. Baruch Hashem the blaze did not reach Even Sapir and there was no damage to homes but there was damage to the forest. The road from Harel to Ein Kerem was closed down.

Firefighters has a particularly difficult time, with officers explaining that due to the topographical realities of the forest in that area, fire trucks could not get as close to the blaze as they wished. It appears that this is the reason the fire started up again today, Thursday, 22 Menachem Av, and fire planes and firefighters on the ground are once again working to bring this blaze under control early this afternoon.

Police announced on Thursday midday that it appears the Even Sapir blaze was the result of careless campers but arson is still not being ruled out at this time.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)