Ministry of Defense updates fire situation: 8 active hotspots, two homes evacuated in Librazhd

The Ministry of Defense has published the latest data on the fire situation across the country. Of the 17 hotspots identified in total, 8 remain active, 4 are under monitoring, while 5 have been extinguished.

Fires have been reported in Dajt, Bulqizë, Dibër, Librazhd, Gjirokastër, Tepelenë, Mallakastër and Himarë. Efforts to tackle them have been hampered by the rugged terrain and weather conditions.

To manage the situation, Civil Protection structures have made all operational capacities available. Dozens of firefighters, 50 military personnel, 4 helicopters and 1 “Air Tractor” aircraft have been deployed on the ground. In Librazhd, two homes were evacuated due to the fire risk.

The active hotspots are as follows:

On Mount Dajt, in Tirana, three hotspots have reignited in the Qafë Priskë area and on the mountain ridge. Twenty-five firefighters and AZM personnel are working to extinguish them.

In Qafë e Helmës, Bulqizë, the fire has affected bushes and pine trees. Teams are intervening by creating firebreaks and using backpack pumps, while residential areas are not under threat.

In Vajkal, Bulqizë, the flames continue to burn across rocky terrain covered with bushes and juniper. A total of 95 personnel have been deployed in the operation, including 20 Armed Forces personnel, as well as 1 Armed Forces helicopter. Homes are not at risk.

In Sllatinë, Dibër, the situation worsened around midday due to high temperatures and wind, causing the fire to spread through a forest of tall pine trees. More than 100 personnel are on the ground, and 1 Armed Forces helicopter has been deployed. Residential areas are not at risk.

In Xhyrë, Librazhd, the fire continues to be fueled by the wind. Two homes have been evacuated and firefighting vehicles have been positioned nearby. One Armed Forces helicopter is also taking part in the operation.

In Tërbuq, Gjirokastër, the fire has covered an area of approximately 30 hectares. However, the hotspot is currently fully under control and no longer poses a risk to residents.

In Dragot, Tepelenë, in addition to the Fire Protection and Rescue Services, 30 military personnel and 3 Armed Forces firefighting vehicles have been sent to support the operation.

In Çorrush, Mallakastër, efforts to extinguish the fire in pastureland and low vegetation are continuing. Two firefighting vehicles and 8 Fire Protection and Rescue Service personnel have been deployed for this purpose.

In the village of Tërbaç, in Vranisht, Horë-Vranisht administrative unit, Himarë municipality, efforts are under way to extinguish a fire that has affected a forested area covered with bushes. Two firefighting vehicles and 9 Himarë Fire Protection and Rescue Service personnel are on the ground. The aerial intervention is being carried out with 2 helicopters and 1 Air Tractor aircraft.

Across the country, 50 military personnel, 4 helicopters and 1 Armed Forces Air Tractor aircraft have been deployed to support the operations.

The National Civil Protection Agency continues to monitor the situation around the clock in close cooperation with the prefectures, municipalities and Civil Protection system structures. Operational capacities remain deployed and on standby to intervene as needed, with the protection of people’s lives, homes and property as the top priority.