Government delegate Luis Molina was presented with the Air Tractor 802, which will be based on the island.
It will serve the whole archipelago, is suited to the specific conditions of the islands and has an impressive load capacity of 3,100 litres.
This new aircraft will be operational until 31st October and will spring into action at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment through the Directorate General of Rural Development and Forestry Policy.
Maria Elena Trujillo, La Gomera’s Central Government representative, and Javier Trujillo, also a Government deputy in Las Palmas, received the plane, which will be here for the next two summers.
The cargo plane is invaluable in stopping fires, especially in overcoming difficult terrain. Its technical ability allows a first water attack, or a slower extended attack on any fires, regardless of their intensity.
The plane’s high-tech spec enables it to shed water alone, or mixed with additives such as foam or retardants. This is dispersed using a state-of-the-art system on its bespoke computer.
This aircraft joins the current fleet of firefighters deployed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment on the islands.
The fleet includes 2 SOKOL bell helicopters and other 14 specialist airborne units, including a Kamov helicopter.
This is the extinguishing type K32A 11 BC, with a discharge capacity of 4,500 litres. It is based at the Tenerife North-Los Rodeos airport.
There are also two battalions stationed on the islands, each featuring 150 highly-skilled personnel.
And among the equipment available for them to meet the fire-fighting efforts include 15 fire engines and four subsidiary vehicles.
At last, the Canary Islands appear to have the right equipment, manpower and know-how to tackle the dreadful fires which have plagued Tenerife and La Gomera, especially, throughout the years.
- Source: http://www.canarianweekly.com
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