Fire in Soda Forest Brought Under Control, Main Blaze Extinguished as Firefighters Remain on Site

A large fire engulfed Soda Forest in Vlora on Sunday afternoon, with more than five hectares of stone pine trees consumed by the flames. Fanned by strong winds and high temperatures, the fire spread rapidly across a considerable area of the forest, also threatening the surrounding area.

Vlora firefighters responded with all available vehicles and equipment, assisted by local residents as well as the owners and employees of restaurants near the forest. For more than three hours, the teams worked continuously to contain and then extinguish the flames.

Vlora Police forces, municipal services and officers from the Fier Rapid Intervention Force (FNSH) were also deployed in the operation, monitoring the situation and ensuring safety in the area.

Although the main blaze has been brought under control and is being extinguished, firefighters remain on site to monitor for any possible flare-ups, as strong winds could cause the remaining hot spots to reignite.