Ministry of Defense: 16 fires reported in 24 hours, 4 still active

2025-07-09 09:58:00, Aktualitet CNA

During the last 24 hours, 16 fires have been reported, of which 4 are still active. These fires have been identified in the municipalities of: Vlorë, Finiq, Vau i Dejës, Poliçan, Dimal, Skrapar, Bulqizë, Dibër, Kavajë, Tirana, Korçë, Librazhd, Fier, Kurbin and Kukës.

Currently, the following outbreaks remain active:

• Orikum, Vlora municipality – In the place called “Sotiran” between the villages of Tragjas and Dukat, in an area with bushes and thorns at the height of the mountain. The situation was monitored during the night. Currently operating on the ground: 7 firefighting forces, 4 Forest Service employees, 7 municipal forces, 40 military forces and the Cougar helicopter.

• Poliçan – In the village of Zgërbonjë, administrative unit of Vërtop, where due to strong winds and high temperatures, the fire spread rapidly. The danger to the homes was eliminated. Today, 7 officers with 2 firefighting vehicles of the Poliçan MZSH and 5 forces of the Forest Service are on the ground.

• Bulqizë – In “Livadhi i Peladhisë”, Zerqan administrative unit, work has continued to extinguish a fire in a forest area with pine and juniper trees. The fire is of low intensity and does not pose a risk of further spread. 3 separate fires have been identified. 2 firefighting vehicles with 11 Bulqizë MZSH personnel, 7 Forest Service forces and 3 volunteers were involved in the operation. The burned area is estimated to be around 17 ha.

• Dibër – In the place called “Lake of Flowers”, part of the Lurë National Park, the fire has engulfed an area of ??pine trees and meadows. Due to the strong wind, the fire has grown to large proportions, endangering a large part of the park. Currently, there is no risk to residential areas. 5 AdZM forces, 6 firefighters from the Dibër Municipal Fire Department, 5 municipal forces, 15 volunteers and the Cougar helicopter are engaged in the field.
Other recorded cases:

• In the village of Ndroq, Tirana, a 2-story apartment burned down as a result of a fire.

• In the village of Mbrostar, Fier, a fire engulfed a shed with a livestock feed base, causing the death of about 75 sheep and minor injuries to the owner. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
In total, about 24 hectares of vegetation have been burned by the fires, mainly in areas with trees, bushes and grass.

31 firefighting vehicles and 268 forces, including the Armed Forces with 60 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles and the Cougar helicopter in two fire areas, have been engaged in firefighting operations.
Weather forecast and fire risk:
According to the Institute of Geosciences, light to locally moderate rainfall is expected today in the Shkodra and Lezha regions, while in other regions rainfall will be light.

Regarding fires:
• “LOW” risk level in Shkodra region
• “MODERATE” risk level in Kukës region
• “HIGH” risk level in other regions

Civil Protection structures continue to be fully engaged, in cooperation with all responsible institutions, in monitoring and timely intervention in every fire, with the aim of minimizing damage to the environment and the risk to the lives of citizens.

Call to citizens:
We ask you to avoid any action that could cause wildfires, to immediately report any fires to the authorities, and to cooperate with state structures to protect life, property, and our shared nature. Your care saves lives!