IAF’s ‘Bambi Bucket Operation’ douse forest fires in Nilgiris

NEW DELHI:  The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed an AF Mi-17 V5 helicopter on Sunday to undertake multiple Bambi Bucket operations to douse forest fires in the Nilgiris.

Collaborating with the forest department and state administration, the IAF helicopter discharged over 16,000 litres of water to control the spread of the fire.

Taking to its social media handle, IAF posted on X, “Continuing its firefighting efforts to douse the raging forest fire in the Nilgiris, the IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter undertook multiple Bambi Bucket Operations.”

Nilgiris Forest Division has been carrying out forest fire fighting operations in Forest Dale area in Coonoor. About 100 staff and trained personnel are currently engaged in extinguishing the fire. The Indian Air Force has joined the district team today in aerial firefighting… pic.twitter.com/v6ohUWHPCV

— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) March 16, 2024

“Operating since the first light, the helicopter discharged over 16,000 litres of water to control the spread of the fire, in collaboration with the forest department and state administration,” read the post.

Air Force station Sulur, located near Coimbatore, was assigned the task, after which the Mi-17 V5 helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket was dispatched from there.

Continuing its fire fighting efforts to douse the raging forest fire in the Nilgiris, IAF Mi-17 V5 heptrs undertook multiple Bambi Bucket Ops today.
Operating since first light, the heptrs discharged over 16000 litres of water to control the spread of the fire, in collaboration… pic.twitter.com/NQi3cR2uiK

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 17, 2024

The Bambi Bucket, a specialised apparatus utilised by the Mi-17 V5 helicopter, facilitates the transport of a large volume of water underneath the aircraft, enabling effective dispersal over the affected areas. (ANI)