IAF Chinooks Battle Massive Kasauli Forest Fire Using Sukhna Lake Water
IAF Chinooks Battle Massive Kasauli Forest Fire Using Sukhna Lake Water
The Indian Air Force has launched massive 'Bambi bucket' operations to save Kasauli from a raging forest fire. Watch how Chinooks are fetching water to douse the flames.
The scenic hills of Kasauli have been under siege as a massive forest fire ripped through the difficult mountainous terrain of Himachal’s Solan district. With the blaze spreading rapidly across orchards and oak forests, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was called in to provide critical aerial support to the civil administration and the Forest Department.
In a spectacular display of coordination, the IAF deployed its Mi-17 and heavy-lift Chinook helicopters to tackle the flames in areas that were completely inaccessible to ground teams. These helicopters utilized ‘Bambi buckets’ to drop massive amounts of water on the fire's hotspots. Interestingly, the Chinook helicopters were seen ferrying water all the way from Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake to reach the heights of the Shivalik range.
The fire raged for nearly 15 hours before the combined efforts of aerial and ground teams managed to bring it under control. Officials described the IAF’s intervention as a “force multiplier,” which was essential in stopping the fire from reaching residential settlements and tourist infrastructure. While the intensity has been reduced, ground teams remain on high alert to extinguish lingering embers and secure the perimeter.
The environmental and economic impact has been significant, with estimated losses reaching ₹67 lakh. This incident is part of a worrying trend this season, with over 230 forest fire incidents already reported across the region. Heatwave conditions and dry timber have made the forests particularly vulnerable, turning the picturesque landscape into a battleground for firefighters.
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