Fire in Ben Shemen Forest: Roads Reopened and Hikers Evacuated

In depth

A brush and treetop fire broke out in the Ben Shemen Forest area and spread in the wind toward Routes 444, 1 and 6, according to Kan News and Israel Hayom. According to Ynet, some 400 hikers were evacuated from the area.

According to Kan News, Route 444 was blocked in both directions and Route 6 was blocked northbound. According to Arutz Sheva, Route 444 remained blocked in both directions while Route 6 was closed to northbound traffic near the Ben Shemen Interchange.

According to Ynet, the roads reopened to traffic after control of the fire was achieved. According to Maariv, the traffic arteries were reopened.