A fast-moving wildfire erupted today in the forested hills near Ein Kerem, west of central Jerusalem. Strong winds and dry conditions caused the fire to spread quickly, forcing the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods, a hospital, and several rural communities.
Intense response, swift evacuations
The Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue Service mobilized around 204 teams, including approximately 1,500 firefighters and 20 aerial water bombers, to combat flames at seven distinct hotspots across the Jerusalem Mountains.
After more than 52 hours of intense firefighting efforts, authorities declared the wildfire contained this evening. Residents from most affected areas have been allowed to return home, though some zones remain under observation—particularly near Ramat Ya‘arim and parts of Eitanim Hospital.
🔥 Rapidly spreading wildfire in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem, Israel pic.twitter.com/vwgesMy8Uw
— meteo.events (@meteoevents) June 9, 2025
Scale & environmental damage
The blaze consumed over 6,000 acres (about 2,400 ha) of forest land, primarily pine, and wildlife experts warn of extensive ecological loss. The scale of destruction is said to rival the severe Mount Carmel fire of 2010.
Jerusalem’s “green lung” has been scorched, and authorities note that decades will be required for full forest recovery.
Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported. Emergency teams treated several dozen residents and at least 17 firefighters for smoke inhalation or minor burns—some requiring hospitalization.
