Solan: In a swift and critical operation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17 helicopters equipped with “Bambi Bucket” technology, which would be used to fight against a large-scale wildfire in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Th fire was contained after a 15-hour-long operation.
This operation is being carried out following the request from civil authorities for assistance from military forces to combat a raging fire that is threatening the Air Force Station in Solan district.
Due to the high temperature and intense heat wave that occurred during the summer season and caused burning dry pine needles on the ground, a large wildfire started near the western slope of Kasauli and started advancing towards areas such as Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall. There have been many wildfires recorded in the current season, including 230 wildfires throughout Himachal Pradesh, burning almost 3,000 hectares of forests.
The steep slopes and the fickle mountain winds in the region rendered it extremely difficult for any terrestrial firefighting trucks to reach the source of the flames. In what could be seen as a critical force multiplier, the Indian Air Force initiated a series of continuous and highly intensive 15-hour airborne operations overnight. Using night vision goggles to ensure maximum accuracy, the pilots engaged in precision water bombing right into the night.
With more than 15 sorties, the aircraft made sure that they extracted over 40,000 liters of water from Sukhna Lake located around 30 kilometers away and then released the water onto the targeted spots. On the ground, the Kasauli Brigade of the Indian Army and the forest department personnel managed to construct important fire breaks, making the mission successful in eliminating the danger in the vicinity. Authorities have stated that there are currently no worries as the situation around the Air Force Station has been completely brought under control.
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