In the last 24 hours, up to 50 wildfires have been recorded across Albania, of which 19–30 still remain active, according to civil protection authorities.
So far, at least one victim has been recorded, an 80-year-old man from Gramsh who allegedly died from smoke inhalation while trying to put out the fire in his yard. Eight other people are reported to have been injured.
Due to the emergency, around 2,000 residents have been evacuated to several villages, while 800 personnel, including helicopters and aircraft from Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates, have been deployed on the ground.
The situation by area, from the announcement of the Ministry of Defense:
Poliçan and Berat
An active fire is located near the city and near the Nursing Home in Poliçan. Residents and the elderly were evacuated, while the flames spread to Plirëz and Rehovo.
Vlora, Finiq and the Blue Eye
The flames continue to threaten the nature of the Blue Eye. Firefighting vehicles, Greek PZL aircraft, Czech and Slovak helicopters, and the Black Hawk helicopter of the Macedonian Air Force are trying to keep the situation under control.
Gjirokaster and Tepelena (Turan village)
The fire has burned two stables in Turan, with minimal damage to livestock, but around 100 operational forces are maintaining the situation.
Tirana (villages of Damjan, Isufaj, Ferraj, Zall-Herr, Selitë, mountain of Bërzhitë)
An alarming situation has occurred in the last 24 hours in Tirana, with fires spreading in areas such as Damjan, Isufaj and Ferraj. In Selita and Mount Bërzhita, the steep terrain makes any intervention difficult.
Dibër and Martanesh (Mountain with Holes)
An active hearth in a protected area, far from homes, but with sparse vegetation, is being destroyed.
Xiber Village, Klos
Isolated fire, but monitored by local authorities.
Kruja, Barkanesh village
An active fire in difficult terrain.
Shkodra, Puka and Fushe Arrëz
In Puka, the fire at the entrance to the city is under control, while in Fushë Arrëz (Xath) the flames have prevented ground intervention due to difficult terrain.
Environmental and civil emergency experts have expressed concern about the lack of a sustainable and funded plan to deal with fires. They emphasize that closer cooperation between state and international institutions is needed to prevent and manage such situations.
Authorities have also appealed for increased caution from citizens and for assistance in identifying potential arsonists.
