A major forest fire that broke out in the Gilbert Trail and Upper Mall area on the western slopes of Kasauli on Tuesday evening was brought under control following a sustained overnight operation lasting more than 15 hours and continuing into Wednesday by the Indian Army, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, local administration of Kasauli and Chandigarh, besides fire and forest departments.
Following the outbreak of the fire at approximately 3 pm, the Army’s Kasauli Brigade initiated coordinated operations to prevent the blaze from spreading across the densely forested and difficult terrain.
The operation involved extensive ground efforts by Army troops, fire tenders and water carriers, alongside aerial firefighting missions by Air Force helicopters undertaking multiple Bambi Bucket sorties using water from Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh.
The combined efforts helped contain the fire in key affected areas, including Gilbert Hill and Upper Mall, while preventing its spread into vulnerable forest zones.
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 are continuing over inaccessible stretches since 6.30 am this morning.
Teams remained deployed throughout the night as strong winds posed the risk of fresh flare-ups, said Banarasi Das, Range Forest Officer, Dharampur.
All personnel and equipment deployed in the operation remain safe. No loss of life or injuries among civilians have been reported, Army officials said.
Western Command Army Commander Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh 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 challenging conditions and awarded on-the-spot commendation cards to those involved in the firefighting operation.
The operation underscores the Armed Forces’ operational readiness, inter-agency coordination during natural emergencies.
SDM Kasauli Mahinder Chauhan appealed to the locals not to indulge in activities that could trigger forest fires, warning that dry pine needles could fuel rapid spread in this hot and dry weather.
The locals have heaved relief over the successful containment of what many described as one of the worst forest fires in Kasauli in years.
