From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
IDF deploys ‘Super Hercules’ to fight Jerusalem-area blaze
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Israel’s Air Force deploys its ‘Super Hercules’ transport plane, known locally as Samson, in order to dump firefighting chemicals on the flames still burning in the areas surrounding Jerusalem.
For the first time, the Israel Air Force is taking part in local firefighting operations. The Super Hercules plane can hold up to 18,000 liters (4,755 gallons) of firefighting materials, compared to 3,000 liters (792 gallons) in its standard firefighting planes. An army spokesman says the plane dumped 16 tons of flame retardant chemicals in the relevant areas.
“This is a historical and complex trial for dealing with firefighting efforts in Israel,” says the Fire and Rescue Services in a statement. “The use of the ‘Samson’ aircraft will allow in the future for an improved response to large-scale fires as well as around the clock efforts when needed.”
The IAF C-130J Super Hercules 'Shimshon' works to extinguish the large fire burning near Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/8WHBv0tJuC
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 17, 2021
The Times of Israel Community.