Fire in Vlora brought under control after 3.5 hours, centuries-old olive groves suffer significant damage

After more than three hours of battling the flames, firefighters managed to contain and then completely extinguish the fire that engulfed the village of Bunavi in Vlora.

The fire broke out on Monday around 14:00. Fanned by wind currents and dense vegetation, it spread rapidly, charring dozens of old olive tree trunks, fruit trees and pastures intended to feed livestock.

The fire posed a serious threat to a number of homes, while local residents joined around 50 firefighters and other teams at the scene to prevent the blaze from advancing toward the buildings.

Luan Kapaj, head of the firefighting unit, said the difficult terrain and dense vegetation made the operation extremely challenging. During the operation, the homes were monitored continuously, while haystacks for livestock were also burned.

The most severe damage was recorded among the centuries-old olive trees. About three and a half hours after the incident began, the flames were brought fully under control, but the affected area continues to be monitored for any possibility of flare-ups.

Witnesses from the village said they experienced difficult and anxious moments, especially because of the threat that the flames could approach their homes.