Indian Army, IAF has hit a major forest fire on the slopes of Himachal Kasauli

Flames engulf part of a forest during a fire outbreak in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh on May 26, 2026. Forest fires were reported in several parts of the hill state amid rising temperatures and dry weather. | Photo credit: PTI

The Indian Army in close cooperation with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the civil administration of Kasauli and Chandigarh successfully contained a major forest fire that broke 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 3pm on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), prompting the Kasauli Army Brigade to launch an immediate, coordinated response to prevent the flames from spreading through the densely forested and difficult terrain, an official statement said on Wednesday (May 27, 2026).

The operation, which stretched over 15 hours overnight and into the next day, saw army units carry out extensive ground firefighting operations supported by fire units and water carriers. Simultaneously, IAF helicopters conducted several ‘Bambi Bucket’ airstrikes and pumped water from Sukna Lake in Chandigarh to douse the fire from the air, the statement said.

Combined efforts significantly contained the fire in key affected areas, including Gilbert Hill and Upper Mall, while preventing it from spreading into vulnerable forest areas. All personnel and equipment deployed in the operation remain safe. No casualties or injuries were reported among civilians or responders, the statement added.

Operations continue

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

Army personnel, including both combat and non-combatant personnel, continue to operate under challenging conditions, creating fire barriers, isolating vulnerable pockets, and eliminating residual active sites to prevent flare-ups. Aerial firefighting operations in inaccessible areas are continuing, the statement said.

Published – 27 May 2026 16:47 IST