Four of 24 Wildfires Remain Active, Defense Ministry Provides Situation Update

The Ministry of Defense has released the latest information on the wildfire situation across the country.

As of 8:00 p.m. on August 26, a total of 24 wildfires had been identified nationwide. Of these, four remain active, while five others are being monitored.

Operations on the ground have also involved 50 Armed Forces personnel and one helicopter.

At Qafa e Helmës in Bulqizë, efforts are continuing to extinguish flames that have engulfed an area of shrubs and pine trees. The operation involves 23 personnel from the Bulqizë Fire and Rescue Service and municipal agencies. Residential areas are not at risk.

On Mount Dardha in Librazhd, the fire remains active within the affected area, where mainly humus and decomposed tree trunks are burning. Homes are not at risk.

On Mount Qukës in Prrenjas, efforts have focused on extinguishing fallen tree trunks and low vegetation within the affected area. Residential areas are not at risk in this case either.

In Drashovicë, Selenicë, efforts are continuing in a forested area covered with shrubs. One fire engine and three personnel from the Selenicë Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene, while no risk to residential areas has been reported.

The situation has improved at the other fire sites. On Mount Dajti, rainfall helped contain the fires, and the area will continue to be monitored. During the day, 38 municipal emergency personnel and 50 Armed Forces personnel were deployed there.

The fire in the hills overlooking the city of Sarandë has been brought under control following the large-scale mobilization of fire and rescue services, police, the Rapid Intervention Force, municipal personnel, and one Armed Forces helicopter. The area continues to be monitored.

The National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) is continuously monitoring the situation throughout the country and coordinating efforts with prefectures, municipalities, and all agencies within the Civil Protection system.

Emergency personnel and equipment remain deployed on the ground and on standby to intervene wherever needed, with the protection of lives, homes, and citizens’ property as their priority.