Major fire in Nilgiris forest area, IAF helicopter deployed to douse blaze

In Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, fire continues at Vandicholai Forestdale forest area near Coonoor. Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) received a request for fire fighting effort in the Wellington area of Coonoor Taluk of the Nilgiris district late in the evening on 15 March.

A Mi-17 V5 helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket was launched on 16th March. The helicopter has undertaken 6 sorties so far, dropping approx 8000 litres of water in the fire-affected area. The IAF is coordinated closely with the Forest Dept and District Administration for these ongoing operations.

It has completed 6 sorties, dropping approximately 8000 liters of water in the affected region. The IAF closely coordinates with the Forest Department and District Administration for ongoing operations.