Israelis Flee Big Forest Fire

Fires fanned by hot desert winds burned Sunday near Jerusalem, scorching 2,500 acres of forest and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people from six small towns.

Police were investigating both arson and negligence as possible causes, Uri Manos, head of the Interior Ministry’s fire department, told Israel television.

At least 22 people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and two were reported in serious condition.

A large cloud of gray smoke hovered over the Jerusalem area. Ashes fell in downtown Jerusalem and the smell of smoke permeated the city.