IAF deploys helicopter to douse forest inferno near Kasauli- Himachal
IAF deploys helicopter to douse forest inferno near Kasauli- Himachal
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.
“The combined efforts significantly contained the fire in key affected areas, including Gilbert Hill and Upper Mall, while preventing its spread into vulnerable forest zones,” stated a defence spokesperson.
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 several hours before being largely brought under control.
“In a sustained overnight operation lasting over 15 hours and continuing into the day, the Indian Army, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, civil officials of both Kasauli and Chandigarh administration, and other local agencies, has successfully contained a major forest fire that erupted in the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall area on the western slopes of Kasauli,” the spokesperson added.
“Following the outbreak of the fire at approximately 3 PM on May 26, 2026, the Indian Army’s Kasauli Brigade launched an immediate and coordinated response to prevent the blaze from spreading across the densely forested and difficult terrain,” the statement said.
Army personnel, including both combatant and non-combatant staff, continue to operate under challenging conditions, creating firebreaks, isolating vulnerable pockets and dousing residual hotspots to prevent flare-ups. Aerial firefighting operations are continuing in inaccessible stretches.
All personnel and equipment deployed in the operation remain safe, and no loss of life or injuries have been reported among civilians or responders.
Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, AVSM, SM, Army Commander, Western Command, visited the affected area to review the ongoing operations and assess the ground situation. He commended the personnel for their swift response, courage and relentless efforts under extremely challenging conditions. In recognition of their professionalism and dedication, he awarded on-the-spot commendation cards to personnel actively involved in the firefighting operation.
The scorching heatwave has aggravated the forest fire situation across Himachal Pradesh. 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.
Another forest fire near Jathia Devi town in Shimla district reportedly continued for nearly three days, posing a threat to nearby habitations. Local panchayat member Prakash Sharma said the blaze spread rapidly due to dry weather and the accumulation of pine litter.
Huge stretches of forest fire were also visible during the night in parts of Shimla and Solan districts.
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.
Also read:Forest fires due to systemic shortcomings or warm climate?
As per data available so far this year, a total of 241 forest fire incidents — including 234 during the summer season and seven in winter — have been reported across various forest and wildlife divisions in Himachal Pradesh. Mandi recorded the highest number of incidents at 81, followed by Dharamshala with 56 and Nahan with 49. Other divisions include Hamirpur (13), Shimla (10), Chamba (7), Solan (6), Wildlife South (4), GHNP Kullu (2) and Rampur (1).
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
