MIG-17 Deployed as Sukhna Lake Water Used to Douse Kasauli Fire

May 27, 2026

A forest fire has broken out in the hills of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, there is a serious threat to the surrounding forests, wildlife, and the environment. Considering the severity of the situation, on Wednesday, the Air Force’s MIG-17 helicopter was also deployed in the firefighting operations. With the help of the helicopter, water is being filled from Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake and sprinkled over different areas affected by the fire.

To control the fire, the administration and relief agencies are making efforts on a war footing. Relief teams are being continuously supplied with water from Sukhna Lake to extinguish the fire. Operations are being carried out at various locations to control the fire spreading in the hilly areas.

A large part of the forest has suffered heavy damage

According to officials, due to intense heat and dry vegetation, the fire is spreading rapidly, making relief operations difficult. According to information, on Tuesday afternoon, a fire broke out in the forests of Manon located in Kasauli, Solan district. The fire took a fierce form, and in no time, forest property worth millions was reduced to ashes. So far, there is no report of anyone being injured, but a large part of the forest has suffered heavy damage.

Fire can reach residential areas

The Forest Department team is active regarding this incident. According to the report, firefighters and Forest Department personnel are trying to control the fire. The fire was rapidly moving towards populated areas, creating an atmosphere of fear in the nearby villages. Villagers are afraid that the fire could reach their homes and residential areas.

Fire also broke out in Chandigarh’s Sector-53

Meanwhile, a fire incident was reported in the forest area of Sector-53 in Chandigarh. As soon as the information was received, the fire brigade team reached the spot and brought the fire under control. The administration stated that timely action prevented major damage. There are concerns that the fire in the forest may affect the natural habitat of wildlife.