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Forest fires spread across Nilgiris; helicopters help battle blaze
Fires in Nilgiris district and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve destroyed hundreds of acres. Helicopters from Sulur Air Force base aided firefighting on April 25 and 26, 2026, as over 400 forest personnel were mobilized.
Why It Matters
The fires prompted a large-scale response, highlighting inter-agency coordination and reliance on aerial support to protect forest ecosystems in Tamil Nadu.
Timeline
3 Events
Second consecutive day of helicopter support; 400+ forest personnel involved
April 26, 2026
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, helicopters from the Sulur Air Force base in Coimbatore were deployed for the second consecutive day to help fight the fires. More than 400 forest personnel from across Tamil Nadu were roped in to control the fire.
First day of aerial firefighting support by helicopters
April 25, 2026
Helicopters from the Sulur Air Force base in Coimbatore were deployed to assist in fighting the fires, marking the first day of aerial support.
Fire reported in Wenlock Downs Reserve Forest; local team deployed
April 15, 2026
A forest fire was reported in Wenlock Downs Reserve Forest of Parson’s Valley Range of Nilgiris Forest Division. The local forest team was deployed to fight the fire.