Albania Has 7 Active Wildfires, 3 Others Under Monitoring

Seven wildfires remain active across Albania, while three others are being monitored. The Ministry of Defense announced the updated situation as of August 17 at 8:00 p.m.

During the day, 13 fires were identified across the country. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles were mobilized to tackle the flames.

The operations were also supported by the Armed Forces, which deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, 3 helicopters and 2 “Air Tractor” aircraft.

On Mount Dajti in Tirana, the intervention is continuing with teams on the ground, 50 Armed Forces personnel and two Air Force helicopters. Residential areas are not at risk. The situation in Priskë is under control and is being monitored, while the fire in Vakumone has been isolated.

In Gurë-Lurë, Dibër, 180 municipal personnel, 15 police officers and 30 Armed Forces personnel are operating, supported by two “Air Tractor” aircraft. The opening of corridors has prevented the flames from advancing toward homes and, at present, no risk to residential areas has been reported.

In Qafë Helmës, the flames have been extinguished on the Bulqizë side, but the fire remains active toward Selisht. Homes are not considered at risk.

In Bruç, Mat, efforts to extinguish the fire are taking place in difficult terrain. Local forces and volunteers are participating in the operation, supported by an Armed Forces helicopter. There have been no reports of risks to homes, livestock shelters or livestock.

In Lufaj, Mirditë, operational structures are continuing their intervention. Two Armed Forces firefighting vehicles and nine personnel have been placed on standby near the homes in the Caraj neighborhood. The fire currently poses no threat to homes.

In Fushë-Lajë, Pukë, 9 Fire Protection and Rescue personnel, 7 forestry personnel, 46 municipal personnel, 16 volunteers and 40 Armed Forces personnel have joined the operation. No risk to settlements has been reported in this area either.

Meanwhile, the fire recorded in Rrjoll has been completely extinguished.

According to the authorities, the situation is being managed through the coordination of Civil Protection structures. Air and ground capacities have been concentrated in the areas where fires remain active.

In most cases, there is no risk to homes, while several fires have been isolated, brought under control or completely extinguished.