The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed helicopters equipped with specialized ‘Bambi Bucket’ systems to help contain a major forest fire in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli district, as the hilly state battles a surge in forest fire incidents amid rising temperatures.
The aerial firefighting operation was launched after local authorities requested urgent assistance to tackle the fire that spread through difficult mountainous terrain near the air force station area in Solan district.
The “Bambi Bucket” system – a flexible bucket suspended below helicopters – allows aircraft to scoop water from nearby tanks and drop it directly over fire hot spots. Officials said that this technology has proven its importance in areas that are inaccessible to ground teams due to steep slopes and volatile winds.
A fire near the air force station has been brought under control
According to Sanjay Sood, Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Force Head), one of the most significant fires this season broke out near the Air Force Station in Solan and spread towards nearby villages.
“Air Force helicopters were deployed as the fire spread near the Air Force base. The situation is now under complete control and no major damage has been caused,” news agency ANI quoted Sood as saying.
The fire reportedly continued for about 15 hours before it was brought under control through a coordinated effort involving the IAF, civil administration and forest department personnel.
Officials said the air support acted as a “force multiplier”, helping quickly douse the fire in inaccessible pockets and preventing the blaze from spreading further towards residential settlements and tourism infrastructure in the Shivalik mountain range.
Ground teams remained deployed in the area to secure the perimeter and extinguish the stuck embers after the intensity of the main fire was reduced through water drops by helicopters.
More than 230 wildfire incidents have been reported this season
Despite the rise in forest fire incidents this year, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has assured that the overall situation remains under control.
“Forest fire situation in Himachal Pradesh remains largely under control despite rising temperatures and over 232 fire incidents reported this season affecting nearly 3,000 hectares of forest land,” the Forest Force Chief said while addressing reporters in Shimla on Wednesday.
About 232 incidents, including minor ground fires and major fires, have been reported so far, affecting nearly 2,900 to 3,000 hectares of forest land across the state, the department said.
The total estimated losses due to forest fires currently stand at approx $67 thousand, Sood said while talking to Annie.
Mandi district recorded the highest number of fire incidents with about 85 cases, followed by Dharamshala with 56 cases. Shimla reported around 10 incidents, while Solan witnessed six major fire incidents.
Temperatures are rising across Himachal Pradesh
Forest officials linked the increase in fire incidents to the sharp rise in temperatures in several areas over the past few days.
“Temperatures have risen sharply over the past two-three days. Una has recorded temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius, while Shimla has also witnessed unusually high temperatures during the day. Because of this, some fire incidents have increased, but overall the situation remains under control,” Sood said.
The Forest Department expected a difficult fire season, and said it had strengthened preparedness measures in advance.
About 2,000 sensitive forest areas have been equipped with specialized forest fire fighters and field personnel, while rapid response teams have been formed at district levels for immediate deployment during emergency situations.
“We are fully prepared. Forest workers and rapid response teams are reaching fire areas much faster now compared to previous years,” Sood said.
A 24/7 fire fighting room has also been set up in Bilaspur to monitor and coordinate responses to fire-related incidents across the state, he added.
(with ANI inputs)
