Fire Situation Improves, with 4 Active Hotspots and 332 Personnel Deployed on the Ground

The Ministry of Defense announced that the wildfire situation across the country, as of 5:00 p.m. on August 22, 2026, is improving. Some of the main hotspots have been isolated or extinguished, while teams on the ground continue to monitor the affected areas.

A total of 10 wildfires were reported during the day. Of these, 4 remain active, while the other 6 are under surveillance.

A total of 332 operational personnel and 15 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to deal with the situation. The operation is also supported by 150 members of the Armed Forces, 3 firefighting vehicles, 1 heavy excavator, 3 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.

A significant improvement has been recorded in the Gojan–Gjegjan area of Puka. The hotspots in Gjegjan, Gojan i Vogël and Gojan i Madh have been isolated, while teams are monitoring the fire line to prevent them from reigniting. During the day, personnel from the Puka, Fushë-Arrëz and Kamëz Fire Protection and Rescue Services, the forestry service, 60 local service workers, 45 volunteers and residents, as well as 40 members of the Armed Forces, worked in the area. The operation was supported by firefighting equipment, an excavator and 2 Armed Forces helicopters.

In Prozhem, Puka, the fire remains active across a forested area. The Fire Protection and Rescue Service, the Forestry Service and local residents have been involved in the response. The wind is affecting the intensity of the flames, but for the time being, homes are not at risk.

On the Shtanë–Tenë route in Mirditë, the operation is also continuing with the involvement of local forces and the Armed Forces. According to the available information, homes are not at risk.

On Mount Dajti, the response is continuing with 25 Fire Protection and Rescue Service personnel, 5 Protected Areas Administration personnel and 30 members of the Armed Forces. One helicopter and 2 Air Tractor aircraft are also being used to extinguish the fire, while populated areas are not at risk.

The fire in Dukat has been completely extinguished. The other hotspots are being monitored by the responsible structures deployed on the ground.

The National Civil Protection Agency is continuously monitoring the situation throughout the country, in cooperation with the prefectures, municipalities and the structures of the Civil Protection system.

Operational forces and resources remain on the ground and on standby for intervention, according to the needs that may arise from the situation. The priority is to protect lives, homes and citizens’ property.