Defense Ministry: Four Wildfires Remain Active, 70 Personnel and 3 Helicopters Deployed

The Ministry of Defense has released the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country as of August 31 at 8:00 p.m. According to the data, of the 12 fire hotspots identified, 4 remain active, 4 are being monitored, and 4 have been extinguished.

In addition to local units, 70 Armed Forces personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters have been deployed to manage the situation.

One of the active fires is in the Dajt–Qafë Priskë area, where efforts to extinguish the flames are continuing. A fire has also reignited in this area, with 15 firefighters, 9 personnel from the National Agency of Protected Areas, 20 Armed Forces personnel, and 1 helicopter involved in the operation.

The fire also remains active in Vajkal, Bulqizë, where it has spread across a large area of shrubs and juniper. A total of 53 personnel, including 30 Armed Forces personnel, have been deployed to tackle it.

Another active fire is in Lundre, Mat, where the flames are spreading through a forested area. The response there is being supported by 20 Armed Forces personnel and 1 helicopter. Meanwhile, in Ura e Shtrenjtë, Shkodër, the steep terrain and lack of roads are making the response more difficult.

The fires under surveillance are those in Qafë e Helmës–Bulqizë, Qafa e Lugut–Vithkuq, Mount Qukës–Prrenjas, and Zhejë–Kurbin. In Zhejë, 3 fire engines and 1 helicopter were deployed, while no active fire is currently being reported there.

The fires in Sllatinë–Dibër, Ballenjë–Martanesh, Bershi–Kurdari–Patinë in Klos, and Mount Dardhë–Librazhd have been fully extinguished.

According to the overall assessment, populated areas are not at risk from the active fires. Dajt, Vajkal, and Lundre remain the priorities for response operations due to the prolonged duration of the fires, difficult terrain, and the need to coordinate ground and aerial forces.

The National Civil Protection Agency continues to monitor the situation across the country without interruption, in close cooperation with the prefectures, municipalities, and other bodies within the Civil Protection system.

Operational personnel and resources remain deployed and on standby to intervene wherever needed, with the primary objective of protecting lives, homes, and the environment.