Fires Increase Across the Country, Number of Active Blazes Rises to 18 / Flames Reported in Four Tirana Villages, Difficult Situation in Lurë

High temperatures and wind have become key factors in intensifying the fires and rekindling blazes that had previously been brought under control across the country.

The Ministry of Defense provided an update on the wildfire situation in the country as of 20:00, reporting a total of 38 fires during the day. Currently, 18 fires are under observation, of which 14 are active, 2 are being monitored and 2 are under control.

A broad and coordinated response by Civil Protection structures at the local and central levels is continuing to address the situation. The Armed Forces alone have deployed 309 personnel, 22 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances, 9 fire engines, 3 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.

In Tirana, efforts are continuing in Dajt and in the Priskë e Madhe–Gurrë–Farkë–Lundër area, involving the fire service, the Regional Administration of Protected Areas, volunteers and aerial support from the Armed Forces. Despite the terrain and the fire’s earlier spread, residential areas are not at risk.

In Krujë, the intervention by operational forces and the Armed Forces, supported by 1 helicopter, has brought the fire in the Abaze neighborhood under control, while no active fires are now being reported in Bojë, Krastë and Halil.

The largest deployment remains in Gurë-Lurë, Dibër, where 120 municipal personnel, 57 Armed Forces personnel, 15 police officers, 15 volunteers and 9 Regional Administration of Protected Areas employees have been deployed, supported by 2 Air Tractor aircraft. Thanks to the coordinated intervention, the perimeter near homes has been brought under control and the risk of them being burned has been averted, while operations continue in the other two directions. The fire service, municipal personnel and forces from the Selishtë administrative unit are also operating in Qafa e Helmes.

In Përmet, efforts are continuing in Nëmerçkë and Dhëmbel, in difficult terrain, but there is no risk to residential areas.

In Moravë, Devoll, the intervention by the fire service has brought the situation under control.

In Trojë, Mirditë, 30 Armed Forces personnel have also joined the operation, alongside the fire service, municipal personnel, police and volunteers.

In Shkodër, efforts are continuing in Rrencë and Goraj-Budishtë. The latter is close to being contained and poses no risk to homes, while the fire in Kryezi is under control.

In Elbasan, operations are continuing in Dardhë, Lugaxhi and Shalës. In Lugaxhi, the fire service, forestry personnel, ASHP, municipal forces and 30 volunteers have been deployed, supported by the Armed Forces, with no risk to residential areas.

Meanwhile, in Finiq, the fires in Dhivër and Rumanxë have been fully extinguished, while the one in Dhrovjan is under control, reflecting the effectiveness of the combined intervention from the ground and the air.