Police Report 62 Arson Cases This Year

During the summer season, fires affecting forests and fields continue to be a persistent concern in Kosovo. Every year, they bring serious consequences for the environment and property, while also putting citizens’ lives at risk.

Police have appealed to citizens not to engage in actions that could cause fires and to promptly notify authorities if they have information about people suspected of arson.

Large forest areas and agricultural land are damaged by fires in Kosovo every year, causing significant environmental consequences.

Biologist Ferdije Zhushi Etemi says that lighting fires should be avoided, as it brings no benefit to the soil.

“From a biological point of view, this phenomenon has no positive consequences, because the vegetation cover on the surface, which makes the soil fertile, is burned,” said biologist Ferdije Zhushi Etemi.

Beyond damaging agricultural land, fires threaten nature and worsen air quality, also creating risks to health.

Emergency experts assess that humans remain one of the main causes of large-scale fires, while high temperatures and drought facilitate the spread of flames.

“Temperatures are high and very little is needed for a fire to break out, so we must all be careful to ensure there are as few fires and as little damage as possible,” said emergency expert Tahir Ahmeti.

According to the Kosovo Police, 227 arson cases were recorded last year, while 62 cases have been registered this year. Police have warned of legal measures against all persons who, deliberately or through negligence, endanger the lives and property of citizens.