Ministry of Defense: 18 wildfires recorded, 9 remain active

The Ministry of Defense has announced the latest assessment of the wildfire situation across the country, updated through 8:00 p.m. this Thursday.

A total of 18 wildfires were recorded during the day. Of these, 9 remain active, while 3 others are being monitored.

A total of 383 operational personnel and 24 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to deal with the situation on the ground. The operation is also being supported by 90 Armed Forces personnel, 1 firefighting vehicle and 4 Air Force helicopters.

The most problematic fire remains the one in Gojan–Gjegjan, Pukë, due to the difficult terrain and strong winds. The forces are working to protect homes, while residents of the area have been evacuated. The intervention is being carried out by land and air, with the participation of 40 Armed Forces personnel and 3 helicopters.

In Mal Milot, Kurbin, efforts to extinguish the fire are continuing with 3 firefighting vehicles, 1 water tanker, 20 Armed Forces personnel and 2 helicopters. The risk to homes has been eliminated, while teams are working to bring the fire fully under control.

Following the fire’s reactivation on Dajti Mountain, the response is being carried out by ground forces and 1 Armed Forces helicopter. According to the data, populated areas are not at risk.

The fire in Gjon, Bulqizë, remains active and is being monitored by 5 firefighters, 22 volunteers and 4 municipal personnel. The priority in this area is protecting the homes near the fire.

In Ballaxhiaj, Memaliaj, the intervention by operational forces has brought the fire under control. The fire is located far from homes, while firefighting vehicles and personnel, police forces and volunteers have taken part in the operation.

The situation in Qafë Helmes has also improved. The fire has been extinguished on the Bulqizë side and isolated on the Selishtë side. Meanwhile, the fire in Lufaj, Mirditë, has been brought under control. There is no risk to homes in either area, and monitoring is continuing.

AKMC is coordinating and monitoring the situation throughout the country, in cooperation with the central and local structures of the Civil Protection system.