La Gomera to get firefighting aircraft very soon

The Spanish ministry for agriculture, food and the environment has announced that an Air Tractor AT 802F 'Fire Boss' amphibious firefighting plane will be based on La Gomera for the summer season. This is very good news after last year's devastating fires on the island. The aircraft is expected to be operational at La Gomeras Playa de Santiago airport already from this Monday, July 1st 2013. The plane is described by its makers as follows:

''Amphibious Air Tanker

Equipped with Wipaire amphibious floats, Air Tractor’s AT-802F “Fire Boss” adds yet another dimension of capability for fire fighters. It can scoop 800 gallons of water in 12-15 seconds and be off the water and on its way again to the front lines in as few as 20-30 seconds.
With the ability to work as a land-based aircraft or a scooper, the “Fire Boss” can drop an initial load of retardant then remain close to the fire by scooping water from a nearby lake.''

Air Tractor Fire Boss (AT company photo)