The Indian Air Force (IAF) mounted a challenging aerial firefighting operation to control a forest fire raging in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Lohit Valley, dropping nearly 12,000 litres of water over the affected area. The operation was carried out using Mi-17V5 helicopters, flying at an altitude of around 9,500 feet in difficult Himalayan conditions.
The fire broke out in dense forested slopes where ground access is extremely limited due to steep terrain and lack of roads. Dry vegetation and seasonal winds helped the flames spread quickly, raising concerns for nearby villages and wildlife habitats. With ground teams struggling to reach the core fire zone, aerial intervention became critical.
IAF helicopters conducted multiple sorties, carefully releasing water over active fire lines to slow the spread and bring down temperatures. The Air Force described the mission as demanding, requiring precision flying in thin air and narrow valleys, but stressed that such operations are vital to support civil authorities during natural emergencies.
On the ground, teams from the state forest department, district administration and the Indian Army worked alongside the aerial effort. They cleared fire lines, monitored vulnerable areas and ensured that the flames did not advance towards inhabited zones. As a precaution, residents of a few vulnerable hamlets were moved to safer locations. Officials confirmed that no loss of life or damage to civilian property has been reported so far.
Forest officials said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, though dry winter conditions often make the region prone to such incidents. Arunachal Pradesh, with its rich biodiversity and dense forests, faces repeated threats from seasonal forest fires, which can cause long-term damage to soil, wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Environmental experts have warned that frequent forest fires increase the risk of landslides and loss of native species, especially in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions. Authorities have urged local communities to avoid open burning and report any signs of fire immediately.
The IAF said it remains on standby and will continue aerial firefighting support if new hotspots emerge. The coordinated air-and-ground response, officials said, played a key role in containing the blaze and safeguarding both people and the environment in the Lohit Valley.
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