A wildfire in the Valley of the Cross in Jerusalem spread on Sunday afternoon to the area surrounding the Israel Museum. As a precaution, employees were evacuated, and firefighting teams, along with six firefighting planes, managed to prevent the flames from reaching the museum's fences and entering the premises.
Firefighting planes battle blaze at Israel Museum in Jerusalem
(Video: Liran Tamari)
Initially, the fire spread from the forest and caught one of the museum buildings. Firefighting teams quickly responded to prevent the blaze from spreading to other structures. After an hour of tense moments, the Israel Museum clarified, "There is no danger to the artworks, and there are no injuries or damage."
Although the fire is now under control, firefighting efforts continue, and police are directing traffic in the area. "We ask drivers to avoid the area and choose alternative routes," authorities stated.
The Israel Museum added, "The fire spread from the nearby Valley of the Cross and initially damaged the roof of the Youth Wing building. However, firefighters have fully contained it. Additionally, everyone has been evacuated from the museum premises as a precaution."