Ministry of Defense: 8 Fire Hotspots Remain Active in Albania

Across Albania, 27 fire hotspots had been identified as of 20:00 on August 16. Of these, 8 remain active, while another 4 are being monitored.

A total of 487 operational personnel and 30 fire engines have been deployed to tackle the situation. The operations are also being supported by 100 Armed Forces personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, 3 helicopters, and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.

The main hotspots that remain active are located in Dajt, Gurë-Lurë, Qafë Helmes, Bruç, Lufaj, Fushë-Lajë, and Rrjoll.

In the Dajt area, 50 Armed Forces personnel are carrying out the operation, assisted by 2 helicopters. The Ministry of Defense said there is currently no risk to residential areas.

Meanwhile, municipal forces, the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, police, the Regional Administration of Protected Areas, volunteers, and 50 Armed Forces personnel are operating in Gurë-Lurë. They are supported by 2 Air Tractor aircraft. The opening of corridors through the terrain has stopped the flames from advancing toward homes, and no threat to residential areas has been reported.

In Lufaj, Mirdita, forces on the ground are continuing efforts to extinguish the fire, supported by an Armed Forces helicopter. At the same time, the hotspot in Tharri has been brought under control.

The fire in Zhejë, Kurbin, has been completely extinguished following the deployment of the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, municipal forces, police, and an Armed Forces helicopter.

The situation in Fushë-Lajë, Puka, remains active, but the flames are of low intensity and pose no risk to homes. In Rrjoll, close monitoring is continuing, including through the use of drones.