Shimla/Kasauli: A massive forest fire that broke out in the Manon area of Kasauli on Tuesday triggered panic across the hill town, prompting the Army and the Indian Air Force to launch a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation.
The blaze, which reportedly started in the lower forest region, spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry vegetation, engulfing a large stretch of forest land and reaching the Upper Mall area by evening. Thick smoke and towering flames created panic among residents and tourists in the popular hill destination.
As the situation worsened, teams from the Army, Air Force and the Cantonment Board Fire Brigade rushed to the spot to contain the fire. More than 200 Army personnel were deployed in the affected area to prevent the flames from spreading further.
In a major firefighting effort, an Air Force helicopter carried out four rounds of aerial water dumping after collecting water from the Chandimandir area. Officials said the operation helped partially control the blaze, though the fire could not be fully extinguished till late night.
Army officials stated that gusty winds and dry forest cover made firefighting operations extremely challenging. Relief teams continued monitoring the affected area overnight to ensure the fire did not reignite.
Local residents said incidents of forest fires are common in the Manon region during summer, but this blaze was among the most severe witnessed in recent years. Villagers expressed relief that the armed forces responded in time, warning that the fire could otherwise have spread to nearby inhabited areas.
Kasauli, one of Himachal Pradesh’s major tourist destinations, has witnessed growing concern over recurring forest fires, raising questions over environmental protection and disaster preparedness in ecologically sensitive regions. Authorities are now expected to investigate the cause of the fire.
