14 fires in 10 hours, 7 still active; situation most severe in Mallakastër, Armed Forces deployed

Over the past 10 hours, 14 fires have been identified across the country. The Ministry of Defense announced that seven of them remain active.

Numerous civil emergency units have been mobilized to contain and extinguish the flames, alongside the Armed Forces. Under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency, prefectures and local government units, 246 operational personnel, 90 Armed Forces personnel and 29 fire engines are taking part in the operations. An Air Force helicopter and an “Air Tractor” aircraft are also intervening from the air.

The most critical situation has been recorded in Riban and Ngraçan, two villages in the municipality of Mallakastër. The fire has spread significantly, while teams are trying to stop it from advancing toward residential areas. Firefighters from several municipalities, 35 municipal personnel, 40 Armed Forces personnel and the “Air Tractor” aircraft are involved in the operation.

Operations are also continuing in the Dajti area. Fire Protection and Rescue Service personnel, the Administration of Protected Areas, 50 Armed Forces personnel and an Air Force helicopter have been deployed to extinguish the fire. The Ministry of Defense said that residential areas are not at risk.

In Elbasan County, operations have focused on Shqiponjë, Mount Dardha and the village of Mjekës. The fires in Shqiponjë and Mjekës have been brought under control, while no threat to residents has been reported.

The fire in the mountainous terrain between Stegopull and Selckë, in the municipalities of Libohovë and Dropull, has reached the mountain summit. The intensity of the flames has increased within a protected area, but in this case as well, there have been no reports of homes being at risk.

In Penkovë, Selenicë, the flames have been fully extinguished after engulfing around 2 hectares of pine forest and 40 abandoned vehicles. Teams are continuing to tackle a brush fire in Gumenicë, while the fire in Vërzhezhë, Skrapar, has been brought under control.

The National Civil Protection Agency and other responsible authorities continue to monitor the situation across the country and coordinate operations.