IAF Choppers Deployed as Massive Fire Engulfs Kasauli Forest

The IAF flew its mighty Mil Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters to sprinkle water over the scorched forests, particularly in the remote areas hard to access by paved roads. The helicopters reportedly obtained water from Chandigarh’s celebrated Sukhna Lake and dumped it over the charred forest area in Kasauli. Images of helicopters flying above those still-burning hills then quickly went viral on social media and helped grab headlines nationally. Officials said that a large area of the forest had burned under the fire and emergency crews were busy during the day trying to put out the fire and preventing its spread in subsequent hours. Until recent information was released, they were still working to fully contain the blaze.

On the same day, another forest fire was reported in Rajhana village located near Shimla. Fires were reported also in Malog forest which is part of Mashobra range and Rajhana forest. Smoke kept pouring out of the hills across Tuesday as firefighters continued to battle to put out the flames. Fire suppression operations in Malog succeeded for a bit, yet Rajhana forest fire continued to be active well into the late night hours. Teams from fire departments said they spent nearly five hours trying to halt the blaze's spread in the area. Officials say the sudden increase in temperature and dry weather recently over the last couple of days may well have led to these forest fires. During summer months, Himachal Pradesh has borne several incidences of fire related with dry forests and hot winds.

Forest fire erupts in Himachal'a Kasauli, flames reach Air Force station; blaze brought under control. pic.twitter.com/HPT0DCDh93

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Local authorities have warned people residing around forested areas to be wary and to stay focused and avoid any entry into affected areas. First responders live on duty to watch things constantly. While further aggravated by extreme weather, forest fires can be deadly. The more the temperature rises and climate changes, the more likely one of these natural disasters is, according to environmental experts. A lot of people praised the work of brave firefighters, forest officials and helicopter crews to sustain the forests and nearby. The precise cause of the Kasauli forest fire is currently being investigated.