Watch: Heatwave sparks massive fire in Himachal forests; IAF helicopters deployed

NEW DELHI: Massive forest fires broke out in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan and Kasauli regions amid extreme heatwave conditions affecting the hill state, with flames spreading through green orchard and forest areas.Videos from the affected areas showed the intensity of the blaze in Kasauli and Kyarighat village near Kandaghat.At least two Air Force choppers were engaged in firefighting operations on Tuesday as efforts continued to douse the flames spreading through the forest area.The IAF deployed Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters to tackle the blaze, particularly in forest areas that were difficult to access from the ground. The helicopters also carried water from Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake to help contain the fire.Videos shared by news agencies PTI and ANI showed thick smoke rising from the scenic town’s forests, including orchard areas and Himalayan oak trees.ANI footage also captured visible streaks of fire moving through the green hills of Kasauli.Authorities are continuing operations to bring the forest fire under control.