Gjunkshi calls for urgent intervention: Fires in Lurë are out of control

The Democratic Party’s Security Adviser, Xhemal Gjunkshi, has called for an immediate response to the situation caused by the fires in Lurë, which, according to him, are now out of control.

Gjunkshi said that, after more than eight hours, the flames continue to spread rapidly, engulfing hundreds of hectares of forest and pastureland. The fire, he said, threatens residents, homes, livestock and the village of Fushë-Lurë.

To deal with the situation, he called for the immediate strengthening of firefighting capabilities, the deployment of the Armed Forces, the use of helicopters and aircraft, as well as the preparation of a clear plan to protect or evacuate residents. “Citizens need the state on the ground, not statements from the offices of institutions. Mobilize the capabilities at your disposal and send aerial assistance now! Lura must not be abandoned!” he wrote.

The Ministry of Defense announced that 23 fire hotspots had been identified across the country during the past 12 hours, while 8 of them remain active.

According to the ministry’s announcement, an operation is continuing in Gurë-Lurë involving firefighting forces, volunteers and 2 Armed Forces helicopters. The helicopters have been positioned near homes to protect the community, while during the evening the aircraft suspended their intervention and the operation continued from the ground. Civil protection structures will remain on the ground until all active hotspots have been fully extinguished.