Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem memorial museum was among 200 buildings and homes to be evacuated on Wednesday after a forest fire raged nearby.

Flames began spreading in the early afternoon between the neighbourhood of Ein Kerem and Yad Vashem. More than 30 fire-fighting units and six aeroplanes were called to the scene to fight the blaze and assist hundreds of people escape to safety, including museum staff and visitors.

According to a police spokesperson, a few people were treated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries have yet been reported.

Speaking from the scene, Jerusalem Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Kobe Erez said: “It started somewhere in the woods, but we still don’t know the details of how or where.

“Right now we are doing our best to get this under control and ensure no one is seriously injured.”