Fires in Albania/ 31 incidents, of which 3 remain active! What is the situation and where are the most problematic areas

The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation over the past 24 hours, during which 31 fires were reported, 3 of which remain active and 6 are under observation.

To manage the situation, the ministry says that a total of 370 operational personnel and 22 fire engines have been deployed.

The Armed Forces have also supported the operations with 70 personnel, 1 fire engine, 1 heavy tracked excavator and 3 helicopters.

The three active fires are on Mount Dajti, in Ballenjë and at Qafa e Helmës.

On Mount Dajti, 30 Armed Forces personnel and 30 firefighters were deployed during the day yesterday, while 1 Armed Forces helicopter was also activated due to the difficult terrain. Today, the operation is continuing with 20 Armed Forces personnel, and there is no risk to inhabited areas.

In Ballenjë, Dibër, the fire remains active in steep, rocky terrain; 5 personnel from the Dibër Regional Administration of Protected Areas have been deployed to intervene, while there is no risk to inhabited areas.

At Qafa e Helmës, Bulqizë, the fire remains active and is being monitored by 4 personnel from the Bulqizë Fire Protection and Rescue Service, also with no risk to inhabited areas.

“The situation in Pukë has improved. In the Tërbun, Gojan and Gjegjan areas, 83 personnel were deployed during the day yesterday, supported by 40 Armed Forces personnel and 1 Armed Forces helicopter. The fire in Gjegjan, Gojan i Vogël and Gojan i Madh has been completely extinguished, while the areas continue to be monitored.

In the other counties, most of the reported fires have been extinguished or are being kept under observation. No situations posing a risk to inhabited areas have been reported from the active fires.

The National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) continues to monitor the situation across the country’s entire territory without interruption, in close coordination with the prefectures, municipalities and all structures of the civil protection system,” the ministry explained, stressing that “Operational capacities remain deployed in the field and on standby to intervene wherever the situation requires, with priority given to protecting the lives, homes and property of citizens.”