Ministry of Defense reports on wildfire situation: 21 fires, 11 still active

The Ministry of Defense’s update on the wildfire situation, as of 20:00 on September 5, shows that 21 fires were recorded during the day. Of these, 11 remain active, 5 are under observation and 5 have been extinguished.

A total of 587 local operational personnel and 52 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to deal with the situation. Also on the ground are 550 members of the Armed Forces, supported by 7 firefighting vehicles. The aerial response was carried out with 4 helicopters and 1 Air Tractor aircraft.

In Fier County, fires remain active in Drizë/Radostinë, Vadhizë, Peshtan and Levan. A total of 13 firefighting vehicles, 4 water tankers, 55 personnel, 90 State Police officers and 104 military personnel are working to extinguish them. The operation is supported by one helicopter and one Air Tractor aircraft.

In Shkodër, the fire in Bardhaj has not yet been brought under control. Five firefighting vehicles, local structures and the Armed Forces have joined the operation, with the latter making one firefighting vehicle and one helicopter available.

The operation is also continuing in the Lundre and Madhesh areas of Mat, where 30 members of the Armed Forces have also been deployed.

In Himarë, the fire in the “1 Maji” neighborhood was extinguished following the intervention of local forces, police structures and volunteers. A total of 26 firefighting vehicles, 183 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles and 2 ambulances, as well as two helicopters belonging to the Armed Forces, took part in the operation. According to the Ministry of Defense, the flames destroyed 6 homes, 3 of which were occupied, while 36 people were evacuated.

An active fire has been reported in Dajt, where 30 local personnel and 50 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed to manage it. The fire in Qinami is being monitored and, according to the available data, does not threaten populated areas.

Active fires have also been reported in Vajkal, Mallunxë–Lis, Gallatë, Kalivaç–Zimaj–Kashnjet, Krastë in Elbasan, Iballë and Krepse. The situation continues to be monitored in other areas. Meanwhile, the fires in Mavrovë, Selenicë, and on Mount “Partizan” in Berat have been extinguished.

The National Civil Protection Agency is monitoring developments throughout the country in cooperation with the prefectures, municipalities and Civil Protection structures.

Operational forces and equipment remain on the ground or on standby for intervention, while the priority remains protecting people’s lives, homes and citizens’ property.