INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightNSW RURAL FIRE SERVICEImage caption
The modified plane was used to fight a fire in New South Wales
A modified Boeing 737 has been used to fight a wildfire for the first time, Australian authorities say.The former passenger jet was
deployed as a water-bombing aircraft in New South Wales on Thursday and Friday
It can carry more than 15,000 litres (4,000 gallons) of water and fire retardant - a large amount, though less than some other water-bombing
planes.However, officials say it offers greater flexibility because it can hold up to 63 firefighters in addition.The plane dropped several
loads of retardant on a fire that has threatened houses at Port Stephens, 150km (90 miles) north of Sydney.Late on Friday local time, the
blaze was not considered an immediate threat to lives
It had burnt through about 1,500 hectares.Image copyrightTROY GRANTImage caption
The fire has threatened houses and
damaged sheds
The 737 was converted into an air tanker by Canadian company Coulson Aviation, and is on contract to the NSW
The fire-fighting agency has nine other water-bombing aircraft, including one with a 45,000-litre capacity.However, spokesman Chris Garlick
said the modified 737 was a "more versatile" option."It's got all the capacity to drop big loads of water and retardant, but because it
was a former passenger plane, we can also carry people in it and across interstate lines," he told the TheIndianSubcontinent.Mr Garlick said
they were "stoked" with how it had performed
The fire has damaged some minor structures, such as sheds, amid strong winds
Earlier this week a giant dust storm moved across the state, which has endured months of drought.The state's bushfire season runs from
