
A large brush fire broke out in the Gush Etzion region between the community of Merom Yehuda and the Kerem Hamami Farm.
Firefighters and volunteers from the Judea Regional Fire Station were dispatched to the scene and are working to contain the blaze.
The first crews to arrive reported a wide fire front advancing rapidly toward the farm, driven by strong winds.
As the fire spread uphill and difficult terrain hampered access for firefighting vehicles, the incident commander conducted a situational assessment and ordered aerial reinforcements.
Four firefighting aircraft from the "Elad" squadron were dispatched to assist in slowing the advance of the flames while ground crews continued operations.
Incident commander Daniel Mizrahi said, "This is a fire which is moving rapidly uphill toward the farm. The terrain is challenging and makes it difficult for ground crews to operate. In light of this, four firefighting aircraft were dispatched to help us stop the spread of the flames. At the same time, we are establishing a ground containment line with fire engines and farmers from nearby farms."
