A moshav resident was arrested on suspicion of starting a forest fire that led to the evacuation of the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum.

The fire was likely started by accident as the 50-year-old man, who lives in a cooperative community near Jerusalem, burned garbage in his backyard and the wind carried the flames away. The man’s name was withheld.

The fire was under control by the night of July 17 after burning nearly 40 acres of the Jerusalem Forest and forcing the evacuation of some streets in Jerusalem neighborhoods. Early reports said the fire began in four areas of the forest simultaneously, leading to the arson suspicion. The Israeli military was mobilized to help battle the blaze. — jta