JERUSALEM, April 30 -- Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Footage shared on social media showed drivers fleeing on foot as flames and thick black smoke loomed in the distance.

The Fire and Rescue Services said about 120 teams from across the country, supported by firefighting planes and helicopters, were deployed to contain the flames, and another 22 teams were on their way.

Five communities were evacuated, and others were instructed to prepare for possible evacuation. A section of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed by the police.

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