A raging forest fire that forced the evacuation of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem’s Givat Ram neighborhood on Sunday was brought under control, the museum stated.
The blaze caused damage to the roof of the youth wing building but did not threaten the art and archaeological institution’s collection, according to the statement.
There were no injuries during the incident.
Fire and rescue teams earlier battled the blaze in an open space near the complex, in the Valley of the Cross. The Israel Museum and the Knesset overlook the valley, which is named after the Monastery of the Cross located in the valley.
💥A rapidly expanding fire that began in the Valley of the Cross is licking at the beautiful white buildings of the Israel Museum, where, among other treasures, the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. 23 fire companies are on-site. pic.twitter.com/jKFlgp54O9
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) June 2, 2024
There were no reports that the Knesset was threatened, or the monastery.
Four firefighting planes participated in the containment efforts.
🔥 fire in Valley of the Cross
— RealJerusalemStreets (@RealJStreets) June 2, 2024
Below Israel Museum pic.twitter.com/9zM14y7Xzz
The Israel Museum is the country’s largest cultural institution and is home to the Shrine of the Book, which contains the Dead Sea Scrolls.
