Wildfires that broke out Tuesday morning near Mesilat Zion have rapidly grown into a potentially historic disaster, with officials warning that Israel may be facing its largest fires ever recorded.

Flames erupted around 9:30 a.m. and have since been carried across central regions by powerful winds. Firefighters have been racing against time to contain the blazes as changing wind directions further complicate the effort.

During a press conference held in Eshtaol, Jerusalem District Commander of the Fire and Rescue Service, Shmulik Friedman, made a sobering assessment:

“We are amidst a very large wildfire, maybe the largest there has ever been in this country,” Shmulik Friedman says during a press conference held in Eshtaol this evening.

“Regarding our activity, it will continue for a very long time. We are far from having control [over the fires],” he says.

Friedman also explained that the fire had initially spread westward due to strong winds but has since shifted eastward. He warned of worsening conditions, stating:

“The winds are expected to reach speeds of 90 to 100 kilometers per hour.”

Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing. With weather conditions expected to deteriorate, emergency services remain on high alert.