The skies over Beit Shemesh were dark, black in some areas, for many hours as the forest in the area of Moshav Tirosh and Moshav Sdei Micha burned for many hours on Tuesday, 17 Tammuz. The strong winds carried the destructive flames quickly, engulfing everything in its path and the fire spread at an alarming pace, compelling Israel Police to close the entire area. Jewish National Fund official Effie Shtentzler said that Tuesday was accompanied by many fires nationwide, the worst day since the Second Lebanon War, confirming 300,000 trees were destroyed. He lamented the fact that it will take 50 years for the forests to replenish themselves, adding JNF is now thinking of installing cameras in certain forestry areas.

Sdei Micha residents were compelled to evacuate their homes as flames spread, as were most of the residents of Tirosh. They were only permitted to return home during the evening hours. At least one chicken coop was destroyed and a number of lawns were also damaged in the fire.

The fire began near Tirosh, but spread quickly, and at the height of efforts to bring the fire under control, 27 fire teams were working on the ground along with IDF tanker units and aerial firefighting efforts. At the end of the day, the damage was realized, 3,000 dunam, and a number of firefighters were treated for mild cases of smoke inhalation. Fire commanders’ reported at one point, flames were 10 meters (yards) high, and moshav officials report date and other crops were totally destroyed.

Fire department spokesman Shmulik Amsellem explains the heavy winds and most difficult topographical realities made bringing the blaze under control extremely difficult.

Other major blazes were reported on Tuesday in the Beit Shean Valley, Yahud, in forestry areas in Rosh Ha’ayin, a school in Elad, Carmel Park and elsewhere in the W. Galil.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)