Albania’s Ministry of Defense has reported 18 wildfire outbreaks across the country over the past 24 hours, with three remaining active.
These fire incidents were recorded in various municipalities, including Vlorë, Dibër, Maliq, Korçë, Lezhë, Kurbin, Bulqizë, Malësi e Madhe, Prrenjas, Sarandë, Himarë, Poliçan, Kuçovë, Gjirokastër, and Durrës.
Currently Active Fire Zones:
- Orikum, Vlorë Municipality: The “Sotiran” area, between the villages of Tragjas and Dukat, continues to burn on a scrub and bush-covered mountain slope. The situation was monitored overnight, and today, 8 firefighter teams, 4 municipal forces, 4 forest service personnel, and 20 military forces are actively engaged in operations.
- Dibër County – Bulqizë Municipality: A fire in a pine and juniper forest area called “Livadhi i Peladhisë,” in the Zerqan administrative unit, remains under monitoring. The burned area is estimated at approximately 18 hectares. Operational forces are continuing their work today, with an additional 25 personnel expected to provide support.
- Dibër – Lurë National Park: Efforts to extinguish a fire in a pine forest and meadow area known as “Liqeni i Luleve” continue. Yesterday, 7 Dibër Civil Protection (MZSH) personnel and 5 AdZM forces were engaged. The fire remains active within its perimeter but is burning at a low intensity. Operational forces are working today towards its complete extinguishment.
Damage Assessment and Ongoing Efforts:
In total, the wildfires have affected approximately 36 hectares of vegetation, primarily trees, bushes, and grasslands. Tragically, 2,500 olive trees over 10 years old were burned in Zgërbonjë village, Poliçan municipality. State Police have detained one citizen in connection with this incident, suspected as the perpetrator.
Additionally, around 30 fruit trees, including olive, plum, fig, and grapevines, were burned near the Kuçovë hospital in the “11 Shkurti” neighborhood of Kuçovë municipality. The cause of this fire was attributed to a broken low-tension electrical wire.
Firefighting operations have involved 28 fire engines and 237 personnel. Yesterday’s efforts also saw the engagement of the Armed Forces with 40 personnel and 1 Cougar helicopter.
Weather Forecast and Risk Levels:
Based on forecasts from the Institute of Geosciences, the National Operational Center for Civil Emergencies anticipates weak rainfall today in the Shkodër, Kukës, and Elbasan counties. Locally weak rainfall is also expected in Dibër, Durrës, Tiranë, Berat, Korçë, Vlorë, and Gjirokastër counties.
Regarding fire risk, high-risk levels are expected in Fier and Vlorë counties. Moderate risk levels are predicted for Lezhë, Durrës, Tiranë, Elbasan, Berat, Korçë, and Gjirokastër counties, while Shkodër, Kukës, and Dibër counties face a low risk.
Civil Protection structures, in cooperation with all responsible institutions, remain fully engaged in monitoring and timely intervention at every fire outbreak to minimize environmental damage and protect citizens’ lives.
