Hunter Valley Fires: First Boeing 737 deployed to Combat Blaze

A Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker was used to fight an out-of-control bushfire in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, on Thursday, November 22, making it the first of its kind to be used for firefighting anywhere in the world, according to officials.

In this video from New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), the plane, known as “Gaia”, is seen dropping water onto the blaze.

An emergency warning had been issued for residents in the suburb of Salt Ash at 4:30 pm Thursday to seek shelter as the fire front arrived. The fire service said it was too late for people to leave.

The NSW RFS said on Friday firefighters were continuing to battle the fire near homes in Salt Ash in face of hot and windy conditions.

More fires were burning near Cessnock and Campvale. Credit: New South Wales Rural Fire Service via Storyful