Wildfires across the country, 10 hotspots still active/ 240 military personnel, 4 helicopters and 2 aircraft involved in operations

The Ministry of Defense announced that, as of 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 16 wildfire hotspots had been identified in Albania. Of these, 10 remain active, while two others are being monitored.

A total of 240 military personnel, three firefighting vehicles, four helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft from the Air Force have been deployed to deal with the situation.

In the Gojan–Gjegjan area of Puka, the situation is reported to be calm, with no threat to homes. Teams from the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, the Forestry Service, the municipality, volunteers and the Armed Forces are continuing to work in the field, while vehicles have been positioned at points where the fire could reignite.

The response in Dukat, Vlora, is taking place in the Shata area, after the flames spread toward the mountain during the night. According to the Ministry of Defense, homes are not at risk. Two Air Tractor aircraft have also been involved in the operation.

In Mal Milot, Kurbin, efforts to extinguish the fire that has engulfed the pine forest are continuing. No risk to homes has been reported, while firefighting forces, police officers, municipal employees and the Armed Forces are taking part in the operation. The response is being supported from the air by one helicopter.

In Dajt, Tirana, teams are working to contain the remaining hotspots. Some of them have been fully contained and pose no risk to populated areas.

Response efforts and monitoring are also continuing at the other hotspots, with the aim of controlling the situation and preventing the fires from reigniting.

The National Civil Protection Agency is coordinating the monitoring of the situation across the country with the prefectures, municipalities and Civil Protection structures. Operational capacities remain on standby for an immediate response.