© Oren Ben Hakoon/ReutersIsraeli Defence Minister Israel KatzThe country's Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported hundreds of civilians were currently at risk from the fires.Sixteen people were being treated for minor injuries from smoke inhalation, the MDA said, adding the alert level had been raised to the highest level.Katz said in a statement from his ministry.An AFP journalist at the scene said the fire was raging in wooded areas near the main road between Latrun and Beit Shemesh and that helicopters were working to extinguish the flames.as huge clouds of smoke billowed from the fire and the injured were evacuated., Israeli media reported, airing images of firefighting teams battling fierce flames.MDA emergency services said ambulance teams had been positioned near communities close to the fires and were ready to provide medical treatment and assist residents.A motorcycle unit was ready to offer medical assistance to citizens stuck in heavy traffic, the agency added.High temperatures and strong winds have allowed the fires in wooded areas to spread quickly, prompting evacuations from at least five communities, the police said in a statement.National Security Minister Itamar, visited the affected area, which is prone to wildfires at this time of year.In a video statement, he said work was being done to bring more assistance to the affected areas and evacuate stranded civilians.Israeli media reported thatDue to the weather conditions, the Israeli minister responsible for arranging national ceremonies, Miri Regev, said