IAF helicopters from SWAC Gandhinagar swing into action to douse forest fire at Mount Abu

AHMEDABAD: A massive forest fire broke out in the hills around Mount Abu which is fast progressing towards the inhabitated areas. While the fire struck panic amongst tourists at the hill station located in Rajasthan about 180 km from Gujarat, Rajasthan state government has sought help from South Western Air Command Head quaters located at Gandhinagar to douse the fire.
Already on alert with suitably modified for fire fighting MI-17 helicoptors with Bambi Buckets, the unit swung into action with first chopper reaching the fire site at about 2.30 on Friday noon.
Defense spokesperson, Wing Cammonder Abhishek Matiman said that the choppers the fire fighting operations began after a quick arerial recce.
"Nakki lake in the midst of the town was the source of of water from where the choppers picked up water to douse the fire" added Wing Commander Matiman.
Defense sources said braving the altitude and skillful maneuvering through the hilly terrain the Air Force warriors mangaged to push in seven sorties dropping close to about 20,000 liters of water over the spred of fire.
Wing Commander Matiman said that fire fighting operations were suspended on Friday evening for the day and will continue with additional helicopters from the first light on Saturday.
"The helicopters will be stationed at Mount Abu Heliped. The IAF has directed the state adminisration to provide aircraft refuelling facilities at the location in order to save precious time during operations tomorrow" said Wing Commander Matiman.