Forest fires continued to wreak havoc across the forested hills of Kasauli and adjoining areas on Tuesday, with massive blazes reported from Upper Mall, Manaun village and nearby forest ranges. The rapidly spreading fires, intensified by strong winds and highly inflammable pine needles, posed a serious threat to nearby habitations and even the Air Force station in the region.
A major blaze that erupted near Manaun village during the day spread swiftly towards the Air Force area by evening, prompting urgent firefighting efforts. Air Force personnel also joined the operation to contain the flames as the fire climbed the hill slopes below the defence establishment.
The fires caused extensive damage to large stretches of forest land. Apart from ground fires that burn dry leaves and decayed foliage, surface fires engulfing thick layers of pine needles were also reported. In several locations, crown fires — considered the most destructive form of forest fire as they spread through the forest canopy — were witnessed, making firefighting operations extremely difficult.
Commandant Home Guards Santosh Sharma said fire personnel remained engaged throughout the day responding to numerous emergency calls from different parts of Solan district. He said the Baddi fire station alone received 10 fire calls, while Solan recorded six incidents. Two incidents each were reported from Banalgi and Arki, besides multiple calls attended by the Parwanoo fire station. Sharma said tackling forest fires in remote and deep forest areas remained a major challenge, particularly when flames spread rapidly along hilly terrain and roadside stretches.
Range Forest Officer, Dharampur, Banarsi Das said several fire incidents were reported from Manaun, Badiyar, Kuthar and Kasauli. He expressed concern over villagers allegedly setting pine needles ablaze despite repeated awareness campaigns and warnings issued by the forest department.
Officials said the dry forest floor, heavily covered with resin-rich pine needles, acts as ready fuel, allowing fires to spread within minutes once ignited. Vast stretches of hills around Dharampur and Garkhal have already been charred, while thick smoke continued to billow from several hilltops surrounding Kasauli.
