Fires across the country: 5 hotspots remain active, with 2 helicopters involved in operations

The Ministry of Defense reported that, as of 20:00 on August 27, 8 wildfire hotspots had been identified in Albania. Of these, 5 remain active, 2 are being monitored, while one hotspot has been extinguished.

Central and local structures have been mobilized to manage the situation, including the Fire Protection and Rescue Service (MZSH), the Armed Forces, ADZM/AZM, the forestry service, the State Police, municipalities and volunteers. Ground operations are also being supported by 2 Armed Forces helicopters.

Dibër County has seen the largest deployment of forces on the ground. In Qafë të Helmës, 27 people have intervened: 8 personnel from MZSH Bulqizë, 9 forestry service employees and 10 volunteers. Firebreaks and backpack pumps have been used to contain the flames.

In Vajkal, the operation has been carried out by firefighting forces, 4 forestry service employees, 5 police officers, 6 municipal personnel, 13 service-sector personnel and 13 volunteers. Due to the winds, support from an Armed Forces helicopter was also required.

In Sllatinë, Dibër, 10 firefighters, 4 ADZM personnel, 5 administrative unit employees and 7 volunteers have been deployed. Because of the difficult mountainous terrain, movement was carried out using 4×4 vehicles, while the intervention was also assisted by an Armed Forces helicopter.

Following the reactivation of three hotspots on Mount Dajti, 20 firefighting and AZM personnel were sent to the scene, supported by an Armed Forces helicopter. Work is continuing in an area with extremely difficult terrain, and the hotspot remains active.

In Arrmollë, the deployment of 4 personnel and a water tanker has improved the situation and eliminated the threat to homes near the area.

The intervention in Ungrej, Lezhë, was carried out with two firefighting vehicles and 7 operational personnel, together with 6 municipal personnel and 4 volunteers. The fire has been completely extinguished.

Meanwhile, in Elbasan County, the hotspots on Mount Dardha and Mount Qukës remain under observation. The Ministry of Defense said that populated areas are not under threat.

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

Operational forces and capacities remain deployed and on standby, while protecting people’s lives, homes and property remains the top priority.