Multiple wildfires are spreading rapidly through the Jerusalem hills area, forcing evacuations, closing major highways, and prompting Israel to request international firefighting assistance, N12 reported on April 30.

More than 100 firefighting teams have been deployed as the fire spread to the outskirts of Highway 1, which has been blocked in both directions. The Fire and Rescue Authority has declared a "Red Torch" emergency order, the highest level of readiness that includes nationwide mobilisation of firefighters.

Israel has requested international assistance from Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia and Italy, which are expected to send firefighting aircraft. Dramatic footage showed drivers abandoning their vehicles on Highway 1 in an attempt to escape the flames.

"The firefighting services, with reinforced assistance from across the country, are working to stop the spread of the fire, which threatens nearby settlements," the report stated. Several communities have been evacuated, including Neve Shalom, Bekoa, Taoz, Nachshon and the Trappist Monastery.

Ten casualties have been reported at Shamir Assaf Harofeh Hospital, including one in moderate condition, two children in mild condition, and seven adults with minor injuries.

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with suspected arson in the Jerusalem hills. To enable emergency evacuations, bulldozers breached the separation between lanes on Highway 1, while train services to Jerusalem have been suspended.

Independence Day events across most of the country have been cancelled due to the emergency.

The IDF spokesperson announced: "The Chief of Staff has instructed the Home Front Command, Air Force and all IDF units to assist police and fire and rescue services in dealing with the fire. Rescue forces from the Rescue Brigade and Jerusalem and Central District, together with Home Front Command firefighting teams, ground firefighting teams and Air Force firefighting vehicles, along with aircraft providing aerial imagery, are assisting in efforts to extinguish fires in the Jerusalem hills area and evacuate residents."

According to fire officials, there are currently six major fire sites: Highway 3, Canada Park, Neve Shalom, Mesilat Zion, Mitzpe Harel and Ramat Beit Shemesh. The Israel Airports Authority is preparing to receive firefighting aircraft from countries to which Israel has turned for assistance.