Jerusalem Forest Fires - Red Skies Over Southern Jerusalem
Channel: Daniel Rosehill
Date: 2021-08-16

Walking through Talpiot in South Jerusalem today, the sky was colored an eerie shade of orange and red as forest fires continued to rage in the hills surrounding the capital and to its west. 

(This is a combination of a few different videos that I shot on my phone throughout the afternoon; apologies for the repeat commentary!)

The forest fires are the latest in a string of such incidents that have taken place over recent months. While officials haven't yet determined the cause of the blaze, many are pointing their finger at ecological terrorism — and arson explicitly hasn't been ruled out as the cause.

Today, as yesterday, the air in Jerusalem was pregnant with the unmistakable smell of burning wood. Looming clouds of smoke emanating from the west partially obscured the midday soon, giving it an unnatural red tint.

As wind conditions changed, concerns began to rise that Hadassah Hospital - situated on the city's outskirts - would have to be evacuated. The hospital has recently become a major center for treating Israel's COVID patients, providing overflow capacity for other over-burdened hospitals in Israel's healthcare system. 

According to recent media reports, Israel's fire service has now appealed for international assistance to help contain the blaze. 

By: Daniel Rosehill (danielrosehill.co.il)

== Production notes ==*

Camera: Smartphone 

(I write these for myself to help keep track of what equipment I'm using as I try to make better YouTube videos!)