Massive Forest fire near Kasauli Air Force station brought under control after Aerial Operation
A massive forest fire near the Air Force Station in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli triggered a large-scale firefighting operation, with the Indian Air Force deploying Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters to control the blaze.
The fire reportedly started on Tuesday afternoon near the Jangeshu area amid intense heat and dry pine leaves. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly across several kilometres, creating panic in nearby areas.
As the blaze moved dangerously close to the Kasauli Air Force Station, the local administration sought assistance from the Army and Air Force. Helicopters carried water from Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake and conducted repeated aerial water-dropping operations over the affected forest region.
Officials said the aerial firefighting mission continued for nearly seven to eight hours before the fire was finally brought under control.
Teams from the Kasauli Cantonment Board fire brigade, the Air Force Station fire unit, forest department and Army personnel worked through the night to contain the flames. Additional fire tenders were also brought in from Kuthar and Parwanoo as the situation escalated.
Authorities confirmed that the fire near the Air Force Station has now been completely extinguished and the immediate threat has been neutralised. However, forest fires continue to rage in nearby areas, including Kasauli Mall Road, VIP area, Jangeshu-Manon Road and Upper Mall regions.
Meanwhile, separate forest fires were also reported from Shamlech, Anji, Kandaghat and Basal areas in Solan district, where firefighting operations are still underway.
The forest department has started assessing the extent of damage caused by the wildfire. Officials said soaring temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
