Large blaze erupts near Route 6 in central Israel, police preparing for possible evacuation of nearby homes

Multiple fire crews are battling a large blaze that erupted near Route 6 in central Israel, forcing the highway’s closure in both directions and leading police to prepare for the possible evacuation of nearby homes.

The Fire and Rescue Service says that 21 firefighting crews and two aircraft are working along Route 6 to wrestle the fire under control.

The road is closed in both directions between the Nesharim and Sorek junctions, and trains have been suspended due to the proximity of the fire to rail infrastructure.

Channel 12 reports that fire crews were forced to instruct drivers along the route to abandon their vehicles and evacuate on foot.

In light of the risk of the fire spreading further, the Israel Police says that it is preparing for the possibility that residents of nearby communities will be forced to evacuate their homes.

Elsewhere in Israel, firefighting crews are also battling a forest fire that erupted at the entrance to Moshav Tarum, close to Bet Shemesh.

Seven Fire and Rescue crews are on the scene, and 14 more have been dispatched to the area, along with four firefighting aircraft.

Route 44 has been closed in both directions in the vicinity of the fire, and drivers have been instructed to avoid the area.