Kosovo’s Acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, has announced that the country has faced 41 wildfire outbreaks in the last 12 hours, five of which remain active.
In a post on Facebook, Sveçla stated that together with Deputy Minister Blerim Gashani, he visited the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where they met with Director Genc Metaj and his management team.
“We also visited the EMA’s Operational Center, where we closely observed the coordination of operations in managing the fires. As the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we have consistently supported the strengthening of the Agency’s capacities by providing specialized vehicles, operational equipment, uniforms, and recruiting additional staff to ensure the efficient management of emergency situations. Our support will continue, in close cooperation with the EMA and all municipalities, so that each party, in accordance with its competencies, contributes to addressing situations on the ground alongside our firefighting teams,” Sveçla wrote.
Sveçla also expressed gratitude to the management and all firefighters, who despite extreme temperatures and the rapid spread of fires, continue to work tirelessly to protect the lives and property of citizens.
“A special thank you also goes to the citizens for their reports and for the support they have given in every way to our firefighters. I once again emphasize the call for increased caution from citizens and for cooperation with security institutions, both in immediate reporting and in providing necessary information so that deliberate arson does not go unpunished,” Sveçla added.
