Posted on 11/25/16
| News Source: jpost.com
The US 747 Supertanker arrived in Israel Friday evening to assist with extinguishing the raging fires that have erupted across the country.
The Supertanker, based on the Boeing 747, is the largest aerial firefighting aircraft in the world and is capable of carrying up to 19,600 gallons of retardant or water.
Israel continued to battle fires in different parts of the country on Friday, with outbreaks reported in Beit Meir and Maale Hahamisha in the Jerusalem hills, near Kiryat Gat in the South of the country, next to Harashim in the Galilee, and across the wider Haifa region.
In addition to the countries to respond to calls for help on Thursday, the US, Egypt, Jordan and Azerbaijan have committed to sending help in combating the flames: Azerbaijan has dispatched a fire plane, Egypt two helicopters, and Jordan fire trucks and crews. In addition to the Super Tanker arriving in Israel, the US is sending 50 firefighters to Israel.
A spokesperson of the Haifa Fire Department said on Friday they have evidence that a fire started near the city's main fire depot was an act of arson. Speaking to Channel 2, Uri Chibotaro said video evidence proved the cause of the blaze.
Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) said to Israel Radio that the Haifa firestorm, which caused widespread damage on Thursday, was…read more at Jpost