Indian Air Force uses Sukhna Lake Water to Douse massive Kasauli Forest fire
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively engaged in firefighting operations to contain a massive forest fire in Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, using helicopters to drop water over the affected region.
According to officials, the fire had been raging for more than 15 hours across the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall area, after it broke out around 3:00 pm in the forested hills of Kasauli and spread rapidly due to dry conditions.
The IAF released visuals showing helicopters conducting repeated water-dropping missions using Bambi buckets, which are large collapsible containers suspended beneath aircraft to collect and release water over fire-affected zones.
In this operation, helicopters lifted water from Sukhna Lake and carried out precision drops over active fire lines to slow the spread of flames and assist ground firefighting teams.
“The Indian Air Force is relentlessly engaged in firefighting operations in Kasauli, assisting civil authorities in combating the raging forest fire since yesterday,” the IAF said in a statement. It added that more than 40,000 litres of water had been dropped in over 15 sorties.
Officials confirmed that all personnel involved in the operation remained safe and no injuries or damage to equipment were reported.
The challenging terrain of the region, combined with dry weather conditions, has made firefighting difficult for ground teams. Air operations have therefore played a crucial role in reaching inaccessible forest areas and preventing the fire from spreading further into vulnerable zones.
Local residents and visitors praised the efforts of the armed forces, acknowledging the continuous helicopter sorties and coordinated response to bring the situation under control.
