The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has raised suspicions of deliberate arson following a significant increase in fires in recent days. In a media conference, officials reported that 300 fires were recorded in just the last three days. The EMA has called on citizens to report those responsible for starting the fires and urged institutions to ensure that arsonists are brought to justice.
Fires and Damage in Various Regions of Kosovo
On March 8, 400 walnut trees were burned on a property in Leqinë, Skenderaj, and the irrigation system was also damaged, according to a 24-hour police report.
A fire occurred a day earlier in Dren, Zubin-Potok, while 10 hectares of forest were burned in Siqevë, Pristina. Firefighting teams worked tirelessly on Saturday and Sunday to extinguish a fire in the Bjeshkët e Deçanit mountains.
EMA’s Concerns and Call for Action
Genc Metaj, the director of the EMA, revealed that nearly 300 fires have occurred from March 7 to March 10. He expressed the agency’s concerns that many of these fires might have been deliberately started.
“This situation poses a serious risk to citizens, and we have felt the impact in recent days. EMA has been actively engaged in firefighting efforts. According to our statistics, there were 57 fires in the first week, and from March 7 to March 10, over 290 fires were recorded. The most severe fires occurred in Drenas, Kamenicë, and Malishevë. Human activity is the primary cause of these fires. We have activated a state of readiness and will begin patrolling across all of Kosovo starting today,” said Metaj.
A Call for Citizen Cooperation
Metaj appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police and firefighters in reporting arson cases, even anonymously, through active numbers 112, 192, and 193, which are free and available 24/7.
“We urge all citizens to report incidents and individuals involved in starting fires to prevent and reduce risks. This situation is endangering the lives of citizens and public and private property,” he added.
Operational Challenges Due to Simultaneous Fires
According to Metaj, the current situation is abnormal, with fires occurring simultaneously in multiple locations, posing a risk to the operational capabilities of emergency services.
The Emergency Management Agency has called on institutions to swiftly bring those responsible for starting the fires to justice.
