Apocalyptic scenes in Himara: Seven homes burn as army, emergency crews and firefighters battle flames, helicopters deployed (VIDEO)

Last night, Himara experienced moments of terror as a massive fire broke out on the town’s hillside above the “1 Maji” neighbourhood, taking on apocalyptic proportions.

The flames spread to the lower part of the town, where seven homes were reported to have burned. As a result, the Himara Municipality issued an immediate evacuation order for residents and the many tourists.

In addition to firefighters trying to contain the flames, numerous police forces were deployed to the scene, assisting with the evacuation of residents and tourists and moving them near the coastline, where they could remain safer.

Despite the severe situation caused by the flames, it was not possible to intervene from the air with helicopters or firefighting aircraft, as these emergency vehicles do not operate at night because there are no pilots specialised in such operations.

As a result, one fire engine and personnel from Fier, Tirana, Peqin, Librazhd, Tepelena, Himara, Vlora, Finiq, Delvina, Saranda, Gjirokastër and Dropull were deployed to contain the flames.

Volunteer forces also joined the response, while the hospital has reported no injured residents or personnel.

The cause of the fire in the hills of Himara remains unknown, while the situation raises serious concerns for the safety of residents and tourists who continue to visit its coastline in large numbers. The helicopter operation to contain the fire began this morning.