Fire in Lura Forests Still Active After More Than 24 Hours as Mountainous Terrain Hinders Firefighters

The operation to extinguish the fire in the Lura forest massif has been continuing for more than 24 hours. Around 260 personnel are reportedly deployed on the ground, including employees of Dibër Municipality, Civil Emergencies, fire services, the Armed Forces and the Police.

According to Leonard Topuzi, director of the Administration of Protected Areas in Dibër, a large number of personnel have been working for more than 24 hours to bring the fire under control. However, the rugged mountainous terrain is hindering access for firefighters and vehicles.

Two helicopters have also joined the operation and are working from the air to extinguish the fire hotspots.

Efforts on the ground continued without interruption throughout the night. Topuzi said that, in cooperation with Dibër Municipality employees and Mayor Rahim Spahiu, they managed to protect five homes and two livestock shelters housing around 400 head of small livestock.

The deployed forces are continuing their efforts to contain the hotspots, extinguish the fire and prevent the flames from spreading further.