Army contains wildfire along Sino-India border in Arunachal

A helibucket suspended from an Indian Air Force’s Mi-17V5 helicopter releases water to douse a forest fire at Lohit valley, in Arunachal Pradesh, January 30, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

A wildfire that broke out about a week ago near Kaho village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has been doused by the Indian army, an official said on Friday (January 30, 2026).

According to a post by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, the fire broke out along the western ridge of the Lohit River close to the Sino-India border.

“In a joint and coordinated effort, the troops of Spear Corps, along with the Indian Air Force, mobilised swiftly and successfully contained the forest fire, ensuring no damage to civilian life or property,” officials said.

Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley. #IAF 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.… pic.twitter.com/5SXBm7M5he

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 29, 2026

Meanwhile, a senior police official claimed that the fire had started on the other side of the LAC on January 21. He said the wildfire spread into the Indian side on January 27 and engulfed Kaho, Sheru area and Madan Ridge near the LAC.

“The exact cause of the wildfire is unknown, but an area of 4,50,00 sq metre (approx) has been destroyed,” the official said. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has also contained another wildfire at Tongkorla in Mechukha in the State’s Shi-Yomi district, a Defence official said.

The Indian Air Force dropped at least 12,000 litres of water to combat forest fires in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, operating at nearly 9,500 feet in the rarefied Himalayan air.
📹PTIhttps://t.co/FGapxnQt79pic.twitter.com/3p4c7n3RPh

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) January 30, 2026

Responding to a request for assistance from a landowner, the quick reaction team undertook coordinated firefighting operations under difficult terrain and weather conditions, Defence PRO Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat said. The official said the team contained the fire, preventing potential loss of human life, property, and surrounding forest cover.

Published – January 30, 2026 04:42 am IST