Wildfires Across Albania: 24 Blazes Reported in One Day, 7 Still Active in Dajt, Dibër, Mat, Mirditë and Pukë

Over the past 24 hours, 24 wildfires have been identified across the country, seven of which remain active, while two others are being monitored. Hundreds of personnel, firefighting vehicles, helicopters and Air Tractor aircraft have been deployed to extinguish and contain the flames.

The main focus is on Mount Dajt, Dibër, Mat, Mirditë and Pukë. The Ministry of Defense said the situation is under control and that, so far, there is no threat to residential areas.

The Ministry of Defense reported that 24 wildfires were recorded over the past 24 hours, seven of which remain active, while two are being monitored.

A total of 472 operational personnel and 28 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to manage the situation. The Armed Forces have contributed 129 personnel, three firefighting vehicles, three helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft. Currently on the ground are 140 Armed Forces personnel, one firefighting vehicle, three helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft.

On Mount Dajt in Tirana, the fire remains active on both sides of the ridge, but the situation is being brought under control. Containment efforts are continuing with operational personnel, supported by 50 Armed Forces members and one Air Force helicopter. Residential areas are not under threat.

In Vakumone, Tirana, the blaze has been contained and the situation is under control, with no threat to homes. Meanwhile, Priska remains under monitoring.

Gurë-Lura in Dibër remains one of the areas where one of the largest operations is underway. On the ground are 180 municipal personnel, 14 police officers, 30 Armed Forces personnel and two Air Tractor aircraft. Firebreaks have stopped the flames from advancing toward homes, while efforts to contain the blaze will continue today. No threat to residential areas has been reported.

At Qafë Helmës, on the Dibër-Bulqizë border, the fire has been extinguished on the Bulqizë side, while it remains active toward Selishtë. There is no threat to homes in this area either.

In Bruç, Mat, operations are continuing across rocky and difficult terrain. An additional 30 Armed Forces personnel have been deployed today. Homes are not at risk.

The fire in Lufaj, Mirditë, remains active but is low in intensity and advancing slowly. Firefighters, police, the Forestry Service, municipal personnel and local residents are taking part in the operation, supported by one helicopter, two Armed Forces firefighting vehicles and nine military personnel.

In Fushë-Lajë, Pukë, operations are taking place in difficult terrain. Wind has fueled the spread of the fire toward the forests of Tërbun and Gjegjan. Three firefighting vehicles, nine firefighters, 10 Forestry Service employees, 40 local personnel, 15 volunteers, 30 Armed Forces personnel and two helicopters have been deployed to extinguish the flames. There is no threat to residential areas.

The situation across the country is being addressed using ground and aerial resources, with a focus on containing active fires and protecting residential areas. In several areas, the fires have been brought under control or contained, while no threat to homes has been reported from the main active blazes.

The National Civil Protection Agency is continuously monitoring developments across the country in close cooperation with prefectures, municipalities and other structures within the Civil Protection system.

Operational personnel and equipment remain on the ground and on standby for immediate intervention wherever necessary. Protecting lives, homes and citizens’ property remains the priority.