The trauma of the Carmel fire in December 2010, that of its forty-four victims, and the threat of an official committee of inquiry, still haunts policy makers in Israel. The Jerusalem Municipality has set aside a budget for modernization of its fire and rescue teams with additional funds pledged by government. Two new fire trucks, one more with off-road capabilities and a tall crane are now planned for purchase.

Overlooked by Adv. Elisha Peleg, Executive Member of City Council and responsible for fire and rescue in Jerusalem, Fire Brigade Chief, Shmulik Friedman, takes part in testing a thirty-seven meter crane purchased by the Hertzeliya Fire Brigade. Jerusalem Fire Brigade Spokesman Asaf Abras explains it will take at least eighteen months before the new equipment is operational in Jerusalem.

CraneFire Brigade ChiefIsraelJaffa RoadJerusalemNir alonShmuel FriedmanShmulik Friedmanexcercisefire fighterfire fightersfire truckfiremanfiremenmiddle eastrescuetruck20110113G10015096JerusalemJaffaRoad