Due to the security situation in northern Israel, numerous fires have broken out, and firefighting teams in frontline communities are working tirelessly to extinguish them and protect northern communities, as well as local plant and wildlife. Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund has decided to provide aid packages to support these teams. A total of 19 communities adjacent to KKL-JNF-managed forests will receive 13.6 million shekels in support, while an additional 36 communities near open areas will receive 5.5 million shekels. In total, KKL-JNF’s aid to these communities will amount to 19.1 million shekels. Some communities will also receive additional equipment, such as firefighting ATVs, to assist teams in battling the fires.

Since the beginning of the “Iron Swords” war, approximately 150,000 dunams (37,000 acres) have burned in the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee, and Lower Galilee. Of these, around 125,000 dunams consist of open areas, including grazing lands, while 25,000 dunams are KKL-JNF-managed forests. These fires represent the most extensive damage northern Israel has faced, especially when compared to the Second Lebanon War, during which around 7,000 dunams were burned. The intensity of the fighting in the north, coupled with the hot summer months, has left the entire region highly vulnerable to fires.

As part of the effort to combat the fires, KKL-JNF has been working in full collaboration with Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services. KKL-JNF has set up a command center utilizing advanced technology, including cameras and drones, to monitor areas up to dozens of kilometers away. Based on these alerts, firefighting and rescue teams, along with KKL-JNF employees, are dispatched.

Ifat Ovadia-Luski, KKL-JNF Chairwoman, said: “We deeply value and appreciate the firefighting teams who work around the clock to face the numerous fires that directly threaten communities and the natural environment. The emergency response teams in these communities are also actively fighting the fires, risking their lives in the process. The collaboration between Israel Fire and Rescue Services and KKL-JNF firefighting teams strengthens our ability to tackle the many fires brought on by the war. KKL-JNF plays a central role in these extensive firefighting efforts. Our workers are on the ground, in areas they know well, and the collaboration with local emergency response teams allows us to protect both the communities and the forests. Thanks to KKL-JNF’s support, the teams will now be equipped with essential tools to help prevent the fires from spreading.”