Jerusalem: Israel was seeking international assistance for the battle of forest fires outside Jerusalem which forced hundreds to evacuate and send a cloud of smoke that billowed the city, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
The plane and crew fought fire for the second day because of strong winds and dry heat helped spread on the wooded hill about 10 km (6 miles) west of Jerusalem.
The medical officer said several people had been treated for smoke inhalation but reported no serious injury.
The authority of the fire department and the salvation of Israel said 75 crew and 10 aircraft fought against the fire, which according to the country’s internal security minister had burned at least 4,200 hectares (17,000 hectares).
Some of the hillside communities are evacuated.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid contacted his colleague in Greece, where Wildfires currently went berserk, on Monday and asked for air support to help extinguish the fire near Jerusalem, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendia said Greece “will help as much as possible,” said the statement.
Israel also asked for help from Cyprus, Italy, France and others, the statement added.
The Commissioner of the Fire Authority and the Sales of Israel previously announced public mobilization for personnel to help fight the flames.
In a meeting with fire officials and rescue on Sunday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he was worried that the flames could reach the western region of Jerusalem, including the area of Ein Kerem, home to the Hadassah Israeli medical center.
“The fire department is preparing a defensive position there,” Bennett said, warning that when he was the expectation crew would bring fire under control, “the fire and wind have changing dynamics.” The investigation was launched into the cause of the fire, said Fire and Rescue authority.
Israel sought assistance from abroad to fight near Jerusalem
