Civil Protection Warning: Heatwave Increases Fire Risk, Call for Maximum Vigilance

The National Civil Protection Agency has warned that, due to the high temperatures expected to affect the country in the coming days, the risk of fires breaking out is increasing significantly.

In a press release, the institution called on municipalities, prefects and field operations teams to keep human resources and equipment ready, and to intervene without delay as soon as any flames appear.

AKMC also urged the public to follow preventive rules and avoid lighting fires in nature or throwing cigarette butts on the ground.

“The latest data from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism indicate that weather conditions with high temperatures will prevail in the region, drastically increasing the likelihood of fires. An extremely high level of risk is forecast for Greece and Turkey, while several areas of Europe also remain in a critical situation.

As temperatures are rising throughout the region, Albania is also expected to face an increased threat of fires starting and spreading. Under these circumstances, the National Civil Protection Agency calls on local government units, prefectures and the forces involved to remain on alert with all their capacities, act immediately in response to any fire and, if local resources are overwhelmed, request assistance without delay in accordance with the procedures of the civil protection system.

At the same time, AKMC urges all citizens to exercise the utmost caution and comply with the following preventive measures:

• Avoid lighting fires in open spaces.

• Do not leave cigarette butts in forests, pastures or near dry vegetation.

• Avoid burning waste, vegetation or other materials during these days of high temperatures.

• If you notice a fire starting, immediately notify emergency teams, because rapid reporting is essential to stop the flames from spreading.

Prevention is a shared responsibility. Only through everyone’s care and coordination can we protect lives, property and the environment,” the statement concludes.