Large brushfires were blazing on Wednesday in the Eshtaol Forest on the outskirts of Jerusalem, forcing the evacuations of some communities and the closure of roads, reports The Times of Israel.

It was the second time in the space of a week that fires in the hills to the west of the capital have led to the evacuation of residents.

The Fire and Rescue Service reported fires were raging in at least five places in the Jerusalem hills.

The fire broke out amid a heatwave and strong winds that made it difficult to bring the blaze under control.

The communities of Neve Shalom, Beko’a, Ta’oz and Nachshon were evacuated along with the military memorial in Latrun, interrupting a memorial ceremony at the site.

The nearby monastery was also evacuated.

Police were told to prepare for the possible evacuation of Mesilat Zion as well.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority said it was evacuating hikers from a number of parks in the area.