One of the largest firefighters in the world touched down in Tallahassee on Thursday.
The 747 jumbo jet used to carry hundreds of passengers on cross-country and international flights.
Now, the seats have been ripped out to make room for pumps, storage tanks and more than 20,000 gallons of water or fire retardant chemicals.
Sam White, with Evergreen Aviation, said it's the only jet of its kind in the world and is a vast improvement over the aerial tankers that are used today.
"Primarily because we believe we can introduce much more humidity in a fire environment that what's currently out there. Currently, the largest tanker is 3,000 gallons. This aircraft carries 20,500 gallons," he said.
Skeptics thought the giant 747 could not fly slowly enough or low enough to be an effective firefighter.
Thursdays stop in Tallahassee is part of a five-state tour to demonstrate the capabilities of the jumbo tanker. Officials at Evergreen Aviation said they hope to have five to 10 of the jets in service in the near future.
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