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The Indian Air Force received information about Forest fire near Kasauli on 26th May and a Cheetah helicopter was immediately launched to assess the situation. Thereafter, Mi-17 V5 Medium Lift Helicopters were successfully deployed to combat the massive forest fire in the Kasauli region of Himachal Pradesh under the aid to civil authorities framework.
The intense blaze, which spread across nearly 10 hectares in the Kasauli Beat area of Solan district, posed a serious threat to residential areas, critical civil infrastructure and military establishments.
Operating in close coordination with the State Administration, State Forest Department, Indian Army and local authorities, IAF helicopters undertook sustained Bambi Bucket operations to contain and extinguish the fire. Water was sourced from Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh with each sortie carrying approximately 2,000 to 2,500 litres of water.
The operation witnessed relentless aerial firefighting efforts through day and night, discharging more than 93,000 litres of water over the affected area. The swift and coordinated response played a crucial role in preventing the fire from escalating into a major disaster.
In a first for the Indian Air Force, night Bambi Bucket operations were successfully undertaken using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). Conducted in mountainous terrain under challenging visibility conditions, the missions demanded exceptional flying skill, precision and operational expertise. Despite the inherent risks associated with night firefighting operations, the missions were executed safely and effectively through the professionalism, courage and dedication of the aircrew.
Supporting the aerial operations, ground personnel worked tirelessly in extreme weather conditions to ensure rapid aircraft servicing and turnaround, enabling uninterrupted firefighting missions round the clock.
