India, May 27 -- A massive forest fire near the Air Force Station in Himachal Pradesh's Kasauli triggered a large-scale firefighting operation, with the Indian Air Force deploying Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters to control the blaze.

The fire reportedly started on Tuesday afternoon near the Jangeshu area amid intense heat and dry pine leaves. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly across several kilometres, creating panic in nearby areas.

As the blaze moved dangerously close to the Kasauli Air Force Station, the local administration sought assistance from the Army and Air Force. Helicopters carried water from Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake and conducted repeated aerial water-dropping operations over the affected forest region.

Offici...