12:00PM IL: [PHOTOS & VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] As a result of a brush fire that began earlier spreading out of control, police announce the closure of the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway towards Jerusalem (east). Vehicles are being rerouted to the Minheret Arazim.

Police announce the area is closed along with a number of Jerusalem Streets including Akiva Azoulai, Kanfei Nesharim, Menachem Cheftzadi, and Megani Yerushalayim. The exit from the capital to the highway heading towards Tel Aviv remains open.

B”H there are no reports of injuries at this time.

12:12PM IL: The fire seems to be moving near Har Menuchos. That said, an Israel Police traffic spokesman confirms the Ginat Sakharov entrance/exit to the highway has been reopened.

12:20: The fire has reached the police firing range in Motza as well as the Israel Electric Company facility bordering Har Nof. Some evacuation is underway. Beit Shemesh firefighters are being called in to assist the Jerusalem and aerial units already battling the blaze.

12:31 PM IL: The Israel Electric Company facility has been evacuated by authorities as the fire continues to spread.

12:47PM IL: Thirty-five fire units are battling the blaze along with eight firefighting planes. Everything possible is being done to prevent the spread of the fire to the Israel Electric Company facility at the entrance to Har Nof as well as other public buildings in the area.

Fire cadets have been pulled out of officers training to assist as a general alarm has been issued for aid from nearby fire districts including Beit Shemesh.

Making efforts to bring the fire under control are being hampered by strong winds in the Givat Shaul area. Fire officials are calling on residents of Har Nof and Givat Shaul to remain indoors and shut windows and doors.

1:24PM IL: Sifrei Torah being removed from the beis medrash of HaGaon Rav Yosef Efrati Shlita located near the Israel Electric facility at the entrance to Har Nof.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)