Himachal forest fire: IAF deploys ‘Bambi Bucket’ helicopters in Kasauli operation

The Indian Air Force (IAF) stepped in with specialised helicopters equipped with “Bambi Bucket” systems to help control a major forest fire in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli region, as the state continues to witness a sharp rise in wildfire incidents amid soaring temperatures.

The aerial firefighting mission was launched after authorities sought urgent support to contain the blaze that had spread across the hilly terrain near the Air Force Station in Solan district.

Fire near air force station brought under control

The “Bambi Bucket” system, used in aerial firefighting operations, involves a large flexible bucket suspended below helicopters. The system allows helicopters to collect water from nearby water bodies and release it directly over fire-hit zones.

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As per a Hindustan Times report, officials said that the method proved highly effective in areas where ground teams struggled to reach because of steep mountain slopes and unpredictable winds.

According to Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), one of the season’s biggest fires broke out near the Air Force Station in Solan before moving towards nearby villages.

“Air Force helicopters were deployed because the fire had spread close to the Air Force Station. The situation is now fully under control and there has not been any major damage,” ANI quoted Sood as saying.

Authorities said the fire continued for nearly 15 hours before it was finally controlled through a joint operation involving the Indian Air Force, Forest Department and civil administration officials.

Officials added that the aerial water-dropping operation helped stop the flames from spreading towards nearby residential areas and tourist locations in the Shivalik region. Ground teams continued monitoring the affected pockets even after the fire intensity reduced.

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Over 230 forest fire incidents reported

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department said more than 232 forest fire incidents have been recorded so far this season, impacting nearly 2,900 to 3,000 hectares of forest land across the state.

“The forest fire situation in Himachal Pradesh remains largely under control despite rising temperatures and over 232 reported fire incidents this season that have affected nearly 3,000 hectares of forest land,” Sood said while addressing mediapersons in Shimla on Wednesday.

The estimated loss due to forest fires currently stands at nearly ₹67 lakh.

Mandi district reported the highest number of incidents at around 85, followed by Dharamshala with 56 cases. Shimla recorded around 10 incidents, while Solan witnessed six major fire outbreaks.

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Temperatures rise across state

Forest officials linked the increasing number of fires to rising temperatures across Himachal Pradesh over the last few days.

“Temperatures have risen sharply over the last two to three days. Una has recorded temperatures touching nearly 40 degrees Celsius, while Shimla has also seen unusually high daytime temperatures. Because of this, some fire incidents have increased, but overall the situation is still under control,” Sood said.

The Forest Department said nearly 2,000 sensitive forest beats have been equipped with dedicated fire staff and rapid response teams ahead of the peak fire season.

“We are fully prepared. Forest workers and rapid response teams are reaching fire spots much faster now compared to previous years,” Sood said.

Officials also confirmed that a 24x7 fire control room has been established in Bilaspur to coordinate emergency response efforts across the state.