Fires out of control in Ulëz, homes and orchards burn and around 300 cows evacuated

Fires that have engulfed several villages in the Ulëz Administrative Unit, in the Municipality of Mat, have created a critical situation, as the flames have completely spiraled out of control. So far, the massive fire has burned hundreds of hectares of forest and has also reached homes.

At least two houses have been destroyed in the area. The owners, Preng and Geg Stojani, said they had lost everything inside the homes. No one was inside when the flames engulfed the buildings, but the fire also completely destroyed their orchards.

The rapid spread of the fire forced the authorities to evacuate around 300 cows. The livestock were urgently moved toward the village of Gallatë in Milot.

Even after the evacuation, the threat remains high for the villages of Tordhën and Madhesh. Several homes and more than 200 beehives could be engulfed by the flames at any moment.

Dozens of firefighters, forestry and civil protection workers, members of the Armed Forces, and volunteer residents are taking part in the extensive ground operation. The aerial response is currently being carried out by only one helicopter belonging to the Ministry of Defense.

As the flames are advancing toward the Shkopet valley, local authorities have urgently asked central authorities to increase aerial support. The spread of the fire in this direction could cause considerable material and environmental damage.