Israeli authorities evacuate moshav near Beit Shemesh due to raging fire

Residents of the small moshav( cooperative settlement) of Eshtaol just outside of Beit Shemesh town were ordered to leave their homes on Friday due to a fire that is quickly spreading through the surrounding forest area.
As of 5 p.m. local time, twenty-two fire trucks and at least 10 aircraft were working to contain the blaze.
The fire is being aided by strong winds that have pushed it toward small communities near Beit Shemesh, including Eshtaol, Tarum, and Taoz.
Due to the blaze, a section of Route 44 has been sealed off to traffic.