Forest fires break out in and around Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, prompting a multi-agency firefighting response. Officials say the blaze is reported in a forest area near the Indian Air Force Station in Kasauli and spreads across a significant portion of woodland. Forest department teams and multiple fire tenders reach the site, but they are initially unable to fully contain the fire, particularly in harder-to-access stretches.
The Indian Air Force then deploys helicopters, including Mil Mi-17 and Chinook aircraft, to combat the flames in inaccessible areas. The helicopters also support water-suppression efforts by lifting water from Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. Authorities continue firefighting operations as of the latest reports.
The outlets also note that recent heat and dry conditions contribute to the fires. Hindustan Times cites string winds and dry weather as factors accelerating the spread. In addition to Kasauli, a separate forest fire is reported in Rajhana village near Shimla, with forest and fire department teams responding. Firefighting efforts remain ongoing across the affected areas.
