A large fire raging at noon (Tuesday) in the Ben Shemen Forest area led to widespread traffic disruptions.
14 fire crews and four firefighting aircraft are working at the scene in an attempt to stop the spread of the fire, which is advancing rapidly due to the winds.
Following the fire, Highway 6 was blocked in both directions near the Daniel Interchange, and Highway 1 eastbound was closed in the Ben Shemen area.
Fire and rescue services said firefighters from the Ayalon station are working on an open-air fire, with thick smoke and high flames visible at the scene. They said wind conditions are making firefighting efforts difficult and accelerating the spread of the fire.
The police announced that Highway 6 was completely blocked and traffic was being diverted to Highway 444. Traffic on Highway 1 heading east was also being diverted to Highway 443.
Fire and rescue services and the police called on the public to avoid the area, to follow the instructions of the emergency forces, and to use navigation applications to choose alternative routes.
