Shimla, May 27 -- In a swift and critical operation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has mobilised its aviation assets to assist local authorities in dousing raging forest fires in the hills of Kasauli.

Responding to an urgent request for aerial support, IAF helicopters were deployed to the affected region today to carry out precision firefighting efforts.

The operation utilises the specialised "Bambi Bucket" system--a flexible, underslung bucket attached to the helicopters designed to scoop water from nearby natural or man-made reservoirs and release it directly over targeted hotspots.

The challenging mountainous terrain, characterised by steep slopes and strong, unpredictable winds, has made ground access difficult for local forest fire c...