We Can’t Breathe”/ Fire in Vajkal, Bulqizë, Continues for 35 Hours as Residents Call for Urgent Intervention

For around 35 hours, flames have continued to spread in the village of Vajkal, Bulqizë, while the situation has spiraled out of control.

Efforts to extinguish and contain the fires are being carried out by employees of the Bulqizë Municipality, Civil Emergencies, the police and forestry services. However, the rugged terrain is significantly hampering the intervention of firefighting vehicles.

Yesterday, a helicopter intervened from the air for several hours, while authorities reported that fires had broken out in several different areas. Preliminary suspicions point to the possibility that the fire was deliberately started.

Another serious concern is the dense smoke, which has also blanketed the city of Bulqizë.

The authorities of Dibër County have asked the relevant agencies to intervene immediately from the air, as the further spread of the fire could endanger homes in the village of Vajkal.

High temperatures, difficult terrain and the density of the smoke are worsening the situation. Residents say the smoke has caused them breathing difficulties.