Police and fire officials are investigating arson as the cause of three separate fires in and around the Jerusalem Forrest last Tuesday, resulting in the evacuation of several homes and eight light injuries due to smoke inhalation. On Tuesday Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Kobe Erez said two leads are being investigated, including a group of workers in Ein Kerem who were seen leaving the site of one of the fires, and a group who hosted a barbeque in another area where there was fire.
“There have been different reports of people who left the area before the fires and we’re looking for anything suspicious, but have nothing concrete yet.” said Erez. “The investigation is still in progress and we hope to find answers soon.” During last week’s blazes, four airplanes and at least 24 fire trucks were dispatched to put out the fires, which came dangerously close to a residential neighborhoods in Ma’ane Simcha and Ein Kerem.