A large-scale fire has engulfed an area of olive groves and bushes in the village of Radostinë, in the Municipality of Fier, this afternoon, endangering homes, businesses and a gas station.
The flames have approached the Lake Levan area and are reported to be about 200 meters away from several buildings. Due to the danger, the owners of the premises have begun evacuating staff and customers, as well as removing tools and furniture from the premises.
The situation is also critical for the residents of the area. It is reported that one apartment has been affected by the fire, while several others are at risk, making it necessary to start the evacuation. The operation to extinguish the flames has also begun with the intervention of the air by helicopter.
"There are huge expenses, we work there. We have been working there for a year and a half. Don't get caught at the bar, there are millions of lek thrown away. They are all workers, it is very difficult for everyone. The fire is huge, olive trees, next to the bar. It is a disaster!", says an employee of one of the endangered bars.
Due to the situation, traffic on the Fier-Levan axis has been blocked, while train movement has also been stopped.
Dramatic moments were also recorded when a couple seriously risked their lives while trying to put out a fire that had engulfed their property. Amidst the flames and thick smoke, they faced the dangerous situation without waiting for the fire brigade to arrive.
The work of bringing the fire under control is made difficult by the wind, which favors the rapid spread of flames, as well as by the rugged terrain that impedes the movement of firefighting vehicles.
The situation is also serious in the north of the country. In the villages of Kalivaç and Zimaj, in the Ungrej Administrative Unit of the Lezha Municipality, it is reported that 10 houses have been burned. The flames have also engulfed huts with livestock, while there is still no exact balance for the number of animals lost.
The fire continues to burn today and has so far burned through about 200 hectares of forest. The flames have also spread to the territory of Vau i Dejës, where three uninhabited houses have reportedly been burned.
Intervention from the ground in the Ungrej area remains difficult due to the terrain, so the Municipality of Lezha has requested the Ministry of Defense to intervene from the air with helicopters.
Another fire is still active in the Kurbin Mountains. The terrain there is also making it difficult for firefighters to intervene, but so far there is no reported danger to residential areas.
Meanwhile, a fire has also been registered in a forest area in Greps, in the Nikël Administrative Unit of Kruja. The wind is favoring the spread of the flames, while teams are dealing with several active fires in different areas of the country.
