NEW DELHI, May 24 Xinhua) -- Authorities on Thursday sought help of Indian air force helicopters to contain a raging forest fire in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
The massive forest fire is raging Trikuta Hills in Katra, about 50 km north of Jammu city, the winter capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
So far there were no reports of any human causality in the blaze.
"The fire triggered yesterday and is yet to be contained," an official said. "Today helicopters of air force fitted with bambi-bucket are hovering over the area to carry out firefighting operation."
Apart from helicopter with bambi-buckets, firefighters from fire and emergency department, and forest department personnel have been pressed into service to cut the area and prevent fire from spreading.
The fires, according to officials, have destroyed vast stretches of natural vegetation in the forest area.
The cause of fire was being ascertained, officials said.
Forest fires are common occurrences during summer and autumn months in the region.