Wildfire Situation in Albania: 9 Active Fires, Minister Nufi Says More Than 450 Personnel Deployed, Protecting Lives and Homes a Priority

As of 14:00 on August 12, nine wildfires were still active nationwide in the regions of Tirana, Fier, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Dibër, and Korçë, according to Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi. Coordinated efforts by all Civil Protection structures are still going strong.
Over 450 people are working in the locations where full staffing numbers have been reported, while two “Air Tractor” planes and three Air Force helicopters support aerial operations. The efforts involve personnel from the National Civil Protection Agency, the Protected Areas Administration, the State Police, the Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Service, forestry services, local authorities, and volunteers.
In Gurë-Lurë, Dibër, one of the biggest operations is taking place. With the help of two “Air Tractor” planes, over 220 workers are trying to contain and put out the fire. Additionally, firefighters have been stationed close to residences that might be exposed to the flames.
While 15 people and four firefighting vehicles are working in Priskë e Madhe, efforts near the Qafë-Mollë tunnels in Dajt continue with ground forces and two Air Force helicopters. An Armed Forces helicopter is performing aerial interventions in the Abaze and Bojë neighborhoods of Krujë, with an emphasis on home protection.
While the fire on Mount Moravë in Devoll has been contained and is still being monitored, interventions are also ongoing in Drenie, Patos, and on Mount Nëmërçkë and Mount Dhëmbel in Përmet. In the majority of these places, there have been no reports of home threats.
Protecting lives and properties, limiting and eliminating active fire hotspots, and carrying on with activities until the situation is completely normalized remain the top priorities, Minister Nufi emphasized.