Watch Indian Air Force Mi17 V5 helicopters trying to control fire

Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi17 V5 helicopters to bring the massive fire under control that broke out in the forest area of Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Alwar district.

Watch the IAF helicopters in action:

Sharing the video of the operation, the Defence Ministry sources said, “On receipt of a request from the District Administration of Alwar, Rajasthan towards assistance in controlling fire which had spread over large areas in Sariska Tiger Reserve, the IAF has deployed two Mi 17 V5 helicopters for Bambi Bucket ops. The operation is ongoing.”

The fire had started on Sunday evening and was brought under control on Monday.

A few hours later in the evening, the forest fire flared again and was continuing till Tuesday evening.

The Forest Department asked people of nearby villages not to enter the forest area.

The officials said no tiger is stuck in the affected area and their movement is being monitored.

The Sariska reserve has 27 tigers, they added.

Sariska Field Director R N Meena told PTI that the forest staff, nature guides and local people are engaged in efforts to control the fire but they are facing difficulties due to hilly terrain.

The fire on hills has been partially controlled, Meena added.

District Forest Officer (Sariska) Sudharshan Sharma said the helicopters have made eight rounds till Tuesday evening.

The fire has spread over 10 sq km area and efforts are being made to control it.

"The area under fire is at a height due to which there are difficulties in firefighting," he said.

The officer said that the fire is spreading due to dry grassland and bamboo trees.

People in Baletha, Prithvipura, Nayawas and Bhatyla villages have been asked to take precautions and avoid entering the forest.

The fire has spread in Rodkela, Narandi, Kalakadi, Katighati, and Naharsati area of the Reserve.