[Videos & photos in extended article] 1:00PM IL: Israel Fire Service spokesman Arik Abuloff reports a fire in the Ramot Forest in Jerusalem is burning out of control at this time. Eight fire units have responded initially along with four firefighting airplanes.

It is reported that high winds are causing the blaze to continue to spread despite ongoing efforts to contain it. At this time there are no reports of injuries.

1:14PM: A general callout has been issued for all fire personnel in Jerusalem as well as neighboring areas as the Ramot Forest fire is raging out of control.

1:21PM IL: The Ramot, Yerushalayim Minhelet (local community council) has informed residents of the ‘Meshulim’ section of the neighborhood to evacuate their homes as the fire in the nearby Ramot Forest is raging out of control.

Residents are instructed to lock all windows and doors and leave their homes while making certain no children are left behind, possibly visiting with friends and neighbors.

1:36PM: In addition to the evacuation mentioned above, Fire Service officials and police have ordered the evacuation of the first row of homes on Derech HaChoresh Street and the nearby ‘Amir’ horse ranch.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: Israel Fire Service via Media Resource Group)