A massive forest fire broke out in Anjaw District in Arunachal Pradesh, forcing a swift emergency response from the armed forces. The fire was burning on the western ridge of the Lohit River at a height of nearly 9,500 feet.

To control the flames, the Indian Air Force deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters, which dropped around 12,000 litres of water over the affected area.

The firefighting operation was carried out in close coordination with the Spear Corps of the Indian Army. Together, the Army and the IAF cut fire lines and stopped the flames from moving towards nearby villages in the Lohit Valley.

Officials confirmed that the timely action ensured no harm to civilians or damage to property.

Highlighting the effort, the IAF shared a post on social media saying:

“Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision, and a commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems.”

In a separate incident, a wildfire broke out in the Dzukou Valley, leading to the evacuation of 30 stranded trekkers.

Local groups and officials acted quickly. The Southern Angami Youth Organisation, along with the district administration, managed to stop the fire from spreading further.

This incident came less than a month after a major forest fire in the Khonoma-Dzukou Valley in December.

Forest officials said the intensity of the fires is due to dry vegetation and strong winds, which make firefighting more difficult during this season.

The peak forest fire season usually begins in December and lasts for about 16 weeks, making this period especially dangerous.

According to Global Forest Watch, Arunachal Pradesh has already recorded 20 VIIRS fire alerts in 2026, highlighting the growing wildfire risk in the region.