[VIDEO AND PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE – NEWEST UPDATE AT THE END OF ARTICLE] A large fire broke out during the night in the Latrun area and this led to the predawn evacuation of all the residents of N’vei Shalom, which overlooks the Ayalon Valley.

A message was released by the Jerusalem Fire Department spokesman at about 2:00AM Tuesday morning 21 Cheshvan explaining 19 fire units from Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh were dispatched to battle the forest fire, which was near to N’vei Shalom. Strong winds made fighting the fire difficult but it appears that despite having to evacuate N’vei Shalom, firefighters prevented the blaze from reaching homes in the community, at least for the time being.

The fire is being fought on a number of fronts including aerial support. At 3:00AM 40 fire units were already working the fire along with 107 firefighters.

At 5:30AM it was reported that due to the strong winds, the blaze was moving in the direction of Nataf and at 6:30AM it was reported the decision was made to evacuate that community as well.

A police and fire frontal command post has been established and JNF officials are working with emergency agencies while EMS personnel are standing by in the event there are injuries.

8:05AM IL: Some 150 firefighters, 8 firefighter planes and 60 fire trucks of various types are all involved in trying to bring the blaze under control. B’chasdei Hashem there are no reports of loss of life or injuries. All the residents of N’vei Shalom and Nataf were evacuated as reported earlier.

Fire Department spokesman Udi Gal explains the area involved in Latrun Junction to Nachshon Junction in the area of Route 3, not far from Tal Shachar. Fire officials feel Tal Shachar will not be affected.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Israel Fire Service via Media Resource Group)