Albania is facing a severe fire situation in several areas of the country, where 10 out of 13 fires reported as of noon today remain active. Difficult terrain, high temperatures and wind are hindering extinguishing operations, while in some cases aerial intervention has been required.
Situation in the main regions:
Bulqizë – Two fire outbreaks have been reported in this municipality. In the village of Tërnova, Zerqan unit, the fire continues to advance in the forest canopy, with a high risk of spreading. Over 50 forces from state structures and the Armed Forces, as well as an Air Force helicopter, have been engaged. Meanwhile, the fire outbreak in Mali me Gropa, near the village of Val, remains under monitoring due to the dangerous terrain.
Fushë Arrëz – In the village of Xeth, Blerim unit, efforts to extinguish three separate fires continue. Over 150 forces from several institutions have been involved and a helicopter has also intervened. The fire has entered areas with dense pine trees.
Mirditë – In Rubik, the village of Velë, a fire has engulfed a pine forest. The steep terrain is making ground intervention difficult. Part of the operation are 48 forces from the Ministry of Forestry, the municipality and other structures.
Tirana – Numerous fires have been registered in the villages of Ibë, Durisht, Damjan, Ferraj, Zall-Herr, Priskë e Vogël, Zgure and Pezë-Helmës. In the latter, the situation is more serious due to the danger it poses to the pine forest of Peza. Dozens of firefighting forces have been engaged and an EBA helicopter has also operated.
Kolonjë – In the Gërmenj Natural Park, the outbreak is under monitoring after its neutralization, however atmospheric conditions have brought about minor reactivations.
Gramsh – Several fires have been reactivated in the Skënderbegas and Kukur units, where firefighters, forestry workers and volunteers continue to work to extinguish them.
Elbasan – In Shiroka Mountain, Zavalinë unit, the fire remains active, while the terrain and the density of the forest are making intervention difficult.
