National Civil Protection Agency convenes Technical Advisory Commission: 160 wildfires managed since 22 June

Published: Tuesday, 07 July 2026 17:03

Director General Haki Çako: “United against wildfires, we remain on alert 24/7”

The National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) convened a meeting of its Technical Advisory Commission to review preparedness measures and operational coordination during the ongoing wildfire season.

The meeting was chaired by the Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency, Haki Çako, and attended by senior representatives of the institutions responsible for civil protection. Participants included Brigadier General Razije Mehmeti, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces; Arben Cara, Director General of Fire and Rescue Services, Skënder Brataj, Director General of the National Medical Emergency Centre, and Dhimitraq Ziu, Director of the Department of Public Order and Security at the State Police.

The discussions focused on the impact of the recent high temperatures, the current wildfire situation across the country, and the operational readiness of all response structures. Particular attention was given to ground and aerial firefighting capabilities, logistical resources, and interagency coordination in support of local authorities.

Director General Haki Çako announced that 160 wildfire incidents have been recorded nationwide since 22 June, reflecting the increased wildfire risk associated with the current weather conditions.

“The high temperatures experienced during the final days of June and the beginning of July have placed considerable demands on local, regional, and national response structures. Supported by the State Police, Fire and Rescue Services, the Albanian Armed Forces, the National Medical Emergency Service, and other operational agencies, we have responded effectively to these incidents. Since 22 June, 160 fires have been recorded across the country, including 127 vegetation fires affecting forests, shrubs, grasslands, and urban waste, as well as 33 urban fires, all of which have been successfully managed,” Çako stated.

He also underlined the Albanian Government’s continued commitment to strengthening civil protection capacities through sustained investment, dedicated funding, and support for local authorities. At the same time, he stressed that effective wildfire prevention and response require the active cooperation of every citizen.

“Our operational structures remain a top priority for the Albanian Government, supported through continued investment and dedicated funding. However, no response system can be fully effective without the cooperation of the public. Early reporting and timely warnings remain essential for ensuring a rapid and effective response. The National Emergency Operations Centre of the National Civil Protection Agency remains on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, maintaining continuous coordination with the State Police, Fire and Rescue Services, the National Medical Emergency Centre, and the Albanian Armed Forces,” Çako said.

The National Civil Protection Agency continues to monitor the situation in real time through the National Operations Centre and close coordination with local authorities. Continuous situational awareness is maintained through information received from municipalities, prefectures, Fire and Rescue Services, the Armed Forces, the State Police, emergency medical services, and advanced wildfire monitoring and risk forecasting systems.

The Agency once again urges all citizens to exercise the utmost caution during this period of high temperatures and elevated wildfire risk. Fires lit in open areas, including the burning of vegetation, waste, or other materials, can spread rapidly and pose a serious threat to lives, property, forests, grazing land, and the environment.

Citizens are encouraged to immediately report any wildfire or suspicious activity to local authorities, the Fire and Rescue Service, the State Police, or the national emergency services. Early reporting and responsible behaviour are essential to protecting lives, communities, and the country's natural resources.