Indian Army, IAF contain major forest fire in Himachal’s Kasauli slopes

The Indian Army, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and civil administration of Kasauli and Chandigarh, successfully contained a major forest fire that had broken out in the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall area on the western slopes of Kasauli, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh.

The fire broke out at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), prompting the Army’s Kasauli Brigade to launch an immediate, coordinated response to prevent the blaze from spreading through the densely forested and difficult terrain, said an official statement on Wednesday.

The operation, which stretched over 15 hours through the night and into the following day, saw Army troops carry out extensive ground firefighting efforts, supported by fire tenders and water carriers. Simultaneously, IAF helicopters conducted multiple ‘Bambi Bucket’ sorties, drawing water from Sukna Lake in Chandigarh to douse the fire from the air, the statement said.

The combined efforts significantly contained the fire in key affected areas, including Gilbert Hill and Upper Mall, while preventing its spread into vulnerable forest zones. All personnel and equipment deployed in the operation remain safe. No loss of life or injuries have been reported among civilians or responders, added the statement.

Operations continue

Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Singh, AVSM, SM, Army Commander, Western Command, visited the affected area to review the ongoing operations and assess the situation on ground. He commended the personnel for their swift response, courage and relentless efforts under extremely challenging conditions. In recognition of their exemplary professionalism and dedication, he awarded On-the-Spot Commendation Cards to personnel actively involved in the firefighting operation.

Army personnel, including both combatant and non-combatant staff, continue to operate under challenging conditions, creating firebreaks, isolating vulnerable pockets and dousing residual hotspots to prevent flare-ups. Aerial firefighting operations are continuing over inaccessible stretches, the statement said.