Out-of-control fire raged near Jerusalem Almost Under Control

For three days, a raging wildfire has continued to spread west of Jerusalem, consuming over 6,200 acres. More than 2,000 residents were evacuated but thankfully there have been no casualties. Over 75 firefighting teams, 15 firetrucks and 12 airplanes are fighting the blaze to prevent it from reading the Hadasseh Ein Kerem Hospital, which is the largest hospital in Israel.

Emergency services have been operating at their maximum capacities, and many people are being treated for smoke inhalation and injuries.

Israel has requested international aid. Turkey and Cypress deployed their firefighting planes to help. Greece has pledged to help however possible. (Israel in recent weeks had sent assistance to Greece while it was battling its own wildfires.) In a rare instance of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation, the Palestinian Authority in the neighboring West Bank sent five trucks and 20 firefighters to assist the Israelis.

Please pray that God will calm the winds and protect lives and property near Jerusalem. Please pray for the firefighters safety and stamina to continue to fight the remains of what was a huge fire. It is reported that the fire is nearly under control but there are still concerns regarding winds and reigniting. Photo provided by The Associated Press.