The Ichud (United) Hatzalah ambucycles have become well known around the world as they gained notoriety for their ability to weave through traffic and bring a provider to an emergency scene faster than a traditional ambulance.

Now Israel’s fire department has purchased three BMW 650GS firefighting motorcycles. The new fire protection motorbikes have been developed as special solution for rapid initial attack in urban areas where normal fire engines have difficulties with traffic. Today they are used for multiple purposes where flexibility and mobility of the fire extinguishing vehicle is required, for fighting a fire in its early stages. The motorcycle is equipped with a 13 liter water tank operating under high pressure, and the equipment folds to improve the vehicle’s performance. Firefighting officials feel the new units will be most helpful operating at car accidents and other areas where standard fire vehicles do not have access.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)