Fire Situation in Albania

Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 14:10

July 16, 2024, 17:00

Currently, there are four active fire foci across the country. The situation in Balgjaj, in the village of Kurdari, remains problematic. Operational forces, coordinated by the Civil Protection Agency, are diligently working to keep the situation under control, aiming to prevent danger to a nearby barn with cattle and dozens of beehives.
In the village of Madhesh, in the Ulëz administrative unit of Mat, the fire has spread rapidly and is advancing towards the village of Stojan. Alongside ground forces, a Cougar helicopter has been deployed to assist.
Efforts continue to extinguish the flames in Buza Dede, above the village of Gurë-Lure, where the fire is nearing the lakes of Lura. The strong winds are hampering efforts to control the fire between Xhyra Mountain and the Qukës administrative unit in the Prrenjas municipality.
Operational forces are working in groups across different areas to create a perimeter, maintain the existing fire line, and extinguish any active flames at the edges and within the fire's depth.

July 15, 2024, 21:00
According to data from the National Operational Center of Civil Emergencies in the NCPA, three fires are active today.
In the District of Dibra, efforts continue both on the ground and from the air to extinguish the fire in the village of Kurdari, municipality of Klos. In Balgjaj, Kurdari village, the fire has split into two foci, with one under control. One focus has developed towards the lakes of Balgjaj, in a pine and beech area, but is partially controlled. To combat the fire, 23 forces and an AF helicopter are engaged. There is no threat to dwellings.
Efforts also persist in Buza Dede above the village of Gurë-Lure, Dibër municipality, where two active fire foci remain: one in the pasture and another in the forest area called Plehenaj. The fire, fueled by high temperatures, strong winds, and accumulated dry waste, is spreading rapidly. Firefighters, forces from the Administration of Protected Areas, municipal forces, and volunteers are working tirelessly to control the flames.
In the Elbasan district, between Xhyra Mountain and the Qukës administrative unit, a fire in a beech, juniper, and maple area has been largely isolated. Despite the fire being under control, due to the high amount of humus, it continues to burn strongly within. Twenty-five AF members are involved in this action, maintaining control over the flames while continuing efforts to keep it isolated.
Meanwhile, a fire reported on Trushnica Mountain in Tepelena has been extinguished, with municipal forces monitoring the area to prevent reactivation.

July 13, 2024, 11:00
In the last 24 hours, according to the National Operational Center for Civil Emergencies in the National Civil Protection Agency, nine fires were reported, with seven extinguished and two still active.
Currently, efforts are underway in the village of Kakodhiq in the Delvinë municipality to completely isolate a fire focus, a continuation of the massive fire that engulfed Kardhikaq village in the Finiq municipality. Firefighters from Delvina municipality and members of the Armed Forces are on the scene.
Work also continues to isolate the fire near the lakes of Lura in the village of Gurë-Lure, Dibër municipality, a continuation of a fire that broke out in a pine forest area. Firefighters from Dibër municipality, forces from the Administration of Protected Areas, the Forestry Service, municipal forces, and 50 officers from the Armed Forces are engaged.
Residents are urged to be cautious, as the law provides severe penalties for those who start fires, and these will be applied without exception.


July 12, 2024, 18:30
After continuous efforts, Civil Emergency forces, under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency, have managed to extinguish the fire in the Dropull municipality, with the situation being monitored to prevent any reactivation.
In Kakodhiq village, Delvina municipality, the action continues with municipal forces, the Armed Forces, additional firefighting forces from Berat, and two PZL planes from Greece working to extinguish the flames.
Operations are also ongoing near the lakes of Lura in Dibër. Gratitude is extended to all the military personnel involved and to the Greek authorities for assisting with the PZL planes in Kakodhiq village.
We repeat the call for increased caution during these high-temperature days to avoid events that damage the environment and our shared resources.

July 12, 2024, 10:30
According to data from the National Operational Center of Civil Emergencies in the National Agency of Civil Protection (NCPA), 14 fires were reported in the last 24 hours, with 11 extinguished and three still active.
Today, work continues in the Delvina municipality, where the fire focus above the Monastery and Kakodhiq village remains active. In Gjirokastër municipality, the Armed Forces and local emergency teams began early morning efforts to extinguish fires on Mali i Gjerë, with flames extending 10-12 km across three foci.
Efforts also continue to extinguish the fire that broke out yesterday near the lakes of Lura in the village of Gurë-Lure, Dibër municipality, where the rocky terrain poses significant challenges.
All local and central capacities, including firefighters, Armed Forces, municipal forces, police forces, employees of the Administration of Protected Areas, Forest Service employees, and volunteers, are fully prepared to maintain control over the situation.