NEW DELHI: A major forest fire on early Wednesday broke out in Himachal Pradesh’s hill town of Kasauli, prompting the deployment of Indian Air Force helicopters to help control the blaze.At least two Air Force choppers were engaged in firefighting operations on Tuesday as efforts continued to douse the flames spreading through the forest area.The IAF deployed Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters to tackle the blaze, particularly in forest areas that were difficult to access from the ground. The helicopters also carried water from Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake to help contain the fire.Videos shared by news agencies PTI and ANI showed thick smoke rising from the scenic town’s forests, including orchard areas and Himalayan oak trees. ANI footage also captured visible streaks of fire moving through the green hills of Kasauli. Authorities are continuing operations to bring the forest fire under control.
