India, Feb. 18 -- The Indian Air Force is actively engaged in combating forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, providing aerial support to ground teams in remote, rugged regions.

A major fire erupted at Walong in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, February 13, affecting several parts of the town and causing local residents to evacuate.

Air Force helicopters were deployed to douse the flames, releasing nearly 1.4 lakh litres of water over multiple sorties. Officials confirmed that the fire has now been brought under control, while damage assessment is ongoing.

Firefighting continues in Nagaland's Dzukou Valley, where helicopters are scooping water from Padumpokhiri Lake near Dimapur to suppress fires along the slopes surroundi...