Electrical Spark Caused Fire in Finiq, Residents and Firefighters Battled the Flames

A serious situation unfolded in several villages in the Municipality of Finiq after a fire threatened homes, tourist resorts and hundreds of hectares of olive groves.

Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly from the hills of Matomare toward Kostar, Mesopotam and Vllahat. The authorities were forced to deploy all available resources to protect residents and homes, reports Top Channel correspondent Entjola Budo, who traveled to the villages of Kostar and Bralat, where the flames approached residential areas.

The battle against the fire lasted more than six hours. During that time, residents and firefighting crews worked together to save homes and property, while the flames’ advance was halted only after three Cougar helicopters intervened from the air.

The most critical situation was recorded in Kostar, where the fire reached the yards of homes. While waiting for the helicopters to arrive, residents used makeshift tools to prevent the flames from spreading. They said the aerial operation was crucial in preventing a tragedy.

There were also difficulties in Mesopotam and Vllahat. Firefighters positioned themselves near homes to block the fire’s advance, while three Cougar helicopters repeatedly dropped water alongside the deployment of ground vehicles. This made it possible to neutralize the fire fronts posing the greatest danger.

The regional prefect, the general director of the fire service and the mayors were at the scene. According to them, the fire was caused by an electrical spark.

Although the threat to homes has passed, the damage left behind is considerable. Large areas of olive groves have been completely destroyed by the fire, while residents are seeking compensation for their losses, the clearing of the area and improvements to infrastructure to prevent such incidents from happening again.