IAF choppers pressed into service to douse wildfire in Mizoram

Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were pressed into service on Monday to douse the wildfire in Lunglei district of Mizoram since Saturday.

Officials said though the fire in some areas has been doused and the situation is under control, for the time being, it could erupt again due to dry and windy conditions.

“IAF choppers carried out two sorties and poured water over areas most affected by the forest fire. The situation is under control…,” said M Misael, chief executive officer, Lunglei Disaster Management Authority.

“There are still reports of small fires in some non-settlement areas of some villages. The situation is unpredictable, and the flames could flare up again due to winds and dry weather.”