Israel SITUATION UPDATE: Evacuated residents allowed to return to their homes on May 1, firefighting operations continue in central Israel; continue avoiding travel to affected areas

May 2025

13:06 UTC

Executive Summary:

As of the afternoon hours on May 1, firefighting operations reportedly continued in multiple hotspots across the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council.
Evacuated residents were allowed to return to their communities following a situational assessment, and train services to and from Jerusalem resumed as normal.

Current Situation:

Reports from the afternoon hours (local time) on May 1 indicate that firefighting operations continue in the following hotspots: Latrun, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Ta’oz, Shaar HaGay, Derech Burma, and Canada Park.
Authorities are reportedly reducing the number of firefighters operating on the ground. A Cypriot helicopter landed in Israel during the afternoon and is expected to assist in aerial operations over the coming hours. 20 firefighters were lightly wounded during the operations.
During the early afternoon hours of May 1, authorities announced that residents of previously evacuated communities are permitted to return home following a situational assessment.
Reports from the late morning hours on May 1 indicate that train services to and from Jerusalem have resumed.
Reports indicate that approximately 13 sq. km of forests were burnt in the wildfires, with approximately half of the damage occurring in Canada Park.
Reports citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicate that authorities detained 18 individuals in connection with suspected arson. Police reportedly confirmed one arrest for suspected arson and another for incitement.
On May 1, Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisory for Israel and the Palestinian Territories on May 1 to reflect risks posed by ongoing wildfires.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Israel on May 1 are advised to continue avoiding all travel to the affected areas, particularly where fires are not yet under control.
Remain cognizant of the authorities’ instructions due to the ongoing fires and firefighting operations.
In case of a wildfire in your area, prepare for further evacuations should it be ordered. If evacuation is ordered, do so immediately. Return only when authorities instruct that it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt to drive through affected areas or outrun the fire; adhere to authorities’ directives.
Create a procedure and plan for employee behavior in case of a wildfire, then instruct and test employees on these procedures. Inform employees of local emergency and evacuation plans.
If possible, confirm that places of stay have working generators in case of power outages while packing sufficient batteries and flashlights.
If not in an area ordered for evacuation, stay at home, close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Secure any loose objects outdoors.
Charge essential electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, and tablet computers ahead of the planned power outage, and initiate energy-saving functions on these devices as needed.
Those planning to travel through the Ben Gurion International Airport are advised to remain cognizant of the high potential for disruptions and reconfirm travel itineraries due to the expected arrival of aerial firefighting aircraft from abroad. Allot extra time for travel to the airport itself due to extensive traffic disruptions and road closures due to the fires.
In case of emergency, dial 100 for the Israel Police, the 110 hotlines for information, 102 for Fire and Rescue Services.

Medium

Central Israel

Extreme

Confirmed

Executive Summary:

As of the afternoon hours on May 1, firefighting operations reportedly continued in multiple hotspots across the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council.
Evacuated residents were allowed to return to their communities following a situational assessment, and train services to and from Jerusalem resumed as normal.

Current Situation:

Reports from the afternoon hours (local time) on May 1 indicate that firefighting operations continue in the following hotspots: Latrun, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Ta’oz, Shaar HaGay, Derech Burma, and Canada Park.
Authorities are reportedly reducing the number of firefighters operating on the ground. A Cypriot helicopter landed in Israel during the afternoon and is expected to assist in aerial operations over the coming hours. 20 firefighters were lightly wounded during the operations.
During the early afternoon hours of May 1, authorities announced that residents of previously evacuated communities are permitted to return home following a situational assessment.
Reports from the late morning hours on May 1 indicate that train services to and from Jerusalem have resumed.
Reports indicate that approximately 13 sq. km of forests were burnt in the wildfires, with approximately half of the damage occurring in Canada Park.
Reports citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicate that authorities detained 18 individuals in connection with suspected arson. Police reportedly confirmed one arrest for suspected arson and another for incitement.
On May 1, Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisory for Israel and the Palestinian Territories on May 1 to reflect risks posed by ongoing wildfires.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Israel on May 1 are advised to continue avoiding all travel to the affected areas, particularly where fires are not yet under control.
Remain cognizant of the authorities’ instructions due to the ongoing fires and firefighting operations.
In case of a wildfire in your area, prepare for further evacuations should it be ordered. If evacuation is ordered, do so immediately. Return only when authorities instruct that it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt to drive through affected areas or outrun the fire; adhere to authorities’ directives.
Create a procedure and plan for employee behavior in case of a wildfire, then instruct and test employees on these procedures. Inform employees of local emergency and evacuation plans.
If possible, confirm that places of stay have working generators in case of power outages while packing sufficient batteries and flashlights.
If not in an area ordered for evacuation, stay at home, close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Secure any loose objects outdoors.
Charge essential electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, and tablet computers ahead of the planned power outage, and initiate energy-saving functions on these devices as needed.
Those planning to travel through the Ben Gurion International Airport are advised to remain cognizant of the high potential for disruptions and reconfirm travel itineraries due to the expected arrival of aerial firefighting aircraft from abroad. Allot extra time for travel to the airport itself due to extensive traffic disruptions and road closures due to the fires.
In case of emergency, dial 100 for the Israel Police, the 110 hotlines for information, 102 for Fire and Rescue Services.

Medium

Central Israel

Extreme

Confirmed

Israel SITUATION UPDATE: Evacuated residents allowed to return to their homes on May 1, firefighting operations continue in central Israel; continue avoiding travel to affected areas

Executive Summary:

Current Situation:

Recommendations:

Executive Summary:

Current Situation:

Recommendations:

Related Reports

Related Reports

Cancel reply