Israelis mark muted Independence Day amid ongoing fires
Authorities announce 7-day ban on lighting flames in open areas, close some fire-stricken nature reserves as blazes persist, but over 100,000 still celebrate in nation’s parks
Ruinous wildfires extinguished many festivities for Israel’s 77th Independence Day on Thursday, as authorities announced sweeping restrictions on grill-outs and closed some national parks and nature reserves.
Nevertheless, some 110,000 Israelis took to local parks and reserves that remained open, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and many held barbecues in areas where it was permitted. Some 2,200 hikers camped out, the authority added.
Firefighters continued their efforts Thursday to gain control over the blazes that wreaked havoc in the forested hills of the capital Wednesday. The fires prompted authorities to announce a nationwide ban on lighting fires in open areas, forcing celebrants to hold their barbecues on balconies, private lawns and other authorized spaces. The ban is set to last for a week, until May 7, fire officials said.
Fed by strong winds and stifling heat, several large wildfires broke out in the wooded hills west of Jerusalem, closing a major highway and forcing residents of 10 communities to evacuate on Memorial Day, which immediately precedes Independence Day.
With winds gusting at over 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) in some areas, authorities canceled Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies nationwide, including the main ceremony at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.
Thursday morning brought gentler breezes and significantly cooler temperatures, helping firefighters beat back the blazes, but officials warned fire risks remained high, with stronger winds expected as the day wore on.
In Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog went ahead with an annual Independence Day salute to soldiers at his official residence Thursday morning, giving an address in which he warned that weather-related disruptions would not go away anytime soon.
“This fire is part of the climate crisis, which must not be ignored,” he told attendees. “It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions — including appropriate legislation.”
Herzog also thanked the firefighters who have been “risking their lives for almost a full day now to save lives and contain the great fire.”
With numerous crews still battling blazes Thursday, the Fire and Rescue Service sharpened safety guidelines for those still planning to barbecue at home, instructing revelers to keep a fire extinguisher or container of water nearby.
Picnickers and hikers were warned to stay away from woodland parks and nature reserves in central Israel. The fire service announced the closure of several popular sites including Canada Park, Eshtaol Forest, Ben Shemen Forest, Kula Forest and Martyrs’ Forest.
The Nature and Parks Authority said Thursday morning that some national parks in the Jerusalem area would be open, namely Ein Hemed and Castel.
Some Israelis came to the fire-stricken sites despite the explicit ban, according to Ynet.
“Staying in these areas is dangerous and stands to endanger human life, and also makes the work of firefighters more difficult,” Yifat Ovadia-Luski, chairwoman of Keren Kayemet LeYisrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) told the outlet Wednesday night.
The wildfires burned around 20,000 dunams (5,000 acres) of land within 24 hours, including 13,000 dunams (3,000 acres) of forest, the KKL-JNF said Thursday. Canada Park was particularly badly hit, it said.
Authorities reopened roads that had been closed a day earlier and let all evacuated residents return home, but warned that the fires remained uncontained and could flare back up later Thursday.
The Times of Israel Community.