Wildfire contained in Belsh after coordinated emergency response

Published: Monday, 21 July 2025 14:26

 A coordinated and intense firefighting operation has successfully extinguished all active wildfire hotspots in the Rrasë administrative unit, within the municipality of Belsh. Thanks to the swift response from fire services in Belsh, Cërrik, Gramsh, Elbasan, Peqin, and the Nerat unit from Kuçovë, alongside two fire engines and personnel from the Armed Forces, the spread of the fire toward residential areas was effectively prevented.

Aerial support played a crucial role in the operation, with two helicopters assisting from above to suppress the flames in rugged and challenging terrain.

Firefighters from Belsh and municipal teams remain on the ground to monitor the area and ensure no hidden hotspots reignite.

Meanwhile, following Albania’s official request through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Italy has deployed emergency crews and two Canadair firefighting aircraft. They are currently operating in the “Lake of Flowers” area within Lura National Park—an ecologically sensitive region. Through the same EU mechanism, Greece has also sent two Canadair aircraft to assist in extinguishing the large blaze in Dukat, Vlorë.

Efforts across all active fire zones continue under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency, with the goal of protecting lives, homes, and natural heritage.