Shimla, May 27
The Indian Air Force on Tuesday deployed Mi-17 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets to assist firefighting operations in the forest fire-hit areas of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, where multiple blazes have erupted over the past three days amid an intense heatwave.
According to officials, the helicopters lifted water from Sukhna Lake and were also cleared for night operations using night vision goggles. Army troops stationed in Kasauli were also pressed into service to control the flames spreading across the Dharampur-Sanawar and Garkhal forest belts.
Massive plumes of smoke and flames were visible from Chandigarh as fires raged along the Dharampur-Kasauli and Dharampur-Garkhal roads. A major blaze near Sanawar and another at Mandhodhar village continued for hours before being brought largely under control.
The scorching heatwave has aggravated the forest fire situation across the state. Una recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius, while Shimla touched around 29 degrees. Dry pine needles scattered across forest floors are believed to have intensified the fires.
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Another forest fire near Jathia Devi town in Shimla district reportedly continued for nearly three days, posing threats to nearby habitations. Local panchayat member Prakash Sharma said the blaze spread rapidly due to dry weather and accumulation of pine litter.
Huge stretch of forest fire could be visible in Shimla and Solan district during night time.
Though no casualties have been reported, officials said the fires caused extensive damage to forest vegetation and wildlife habitats. Authorities have appealed to residents and tourists to avoid activities that could trigger further fires as firefighting teams remain on high alert across vulnerable areas.
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