The Indian Army on Wednesday successfully contained a major forest fire that erupted in the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall area on the western slopes of Kasauli, officials said. The fire broke out on Tuesday around 3.00 PM in the forest area in Kasauli Hills under Solan district and quickly spread throughout the forest area, they said. The operation, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, civil authorities of Kasauli and Chandigarh and other local agencies, lasted over 15 hours, they added. Teams from the forest department and the fire department rushed to the spot to douse the fire with the help of locals, but were unable to control the fire. Taking swift action, the Indian Army's Kasauli Brigade launched an immediate and coordinated response to prevent the blaze from spreading across the densely forested and difficult terrain. The operation involved extensive ground firefighting efforts by Army troops, fire tenders and water carriers, alongside aerial firefighting missions by Indian Air Force helicopters undertaking multiple Bambi Bucket sorties using water from Sukna Lake in Chandigarh, the officials 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, they added. Army personnel, including both combatant and non-combatant staff, continued to operate under challenging conditions, creating firebreaks, isolating vulnerable pockets and dousing residual hotspots to prevent flare-ups. Aerial firefighting operations were also held over inaccessible stretches. The officials said that all personnel and equipment deployed in the operation remain safe, and no loss of life or injuries have been reported. Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, Army Commander, Western Command, also reviewed the ongoing operations and assessed the situation on the 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.