Wind-fueled fires in Israel are tearing through brush outside Jerusalem, prompting the evacuation of residents and leaving more than a dozen people hospitalized.

The fires interrupted memorial day ceremonies, and Israel’s top firefighter called the blazes “one of the toughest events” he has faced.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that rapidly spreading wildfires near Jerusalem could reach the city, as he declared the situation a "national emergency".Thick plumes of smoke billowed above highways near Jerusalem as firefighters rushed to control wildfires that have injured several people and prompted the military to deploy troops to help the firefighters.