TIRANA, July 30 /ATA/ – Wildfires in Albania’s coastal area of Shëngjin have escalated overnight despite the efforts of large number of troops, firefighters and emergency crews.
Strong winds reignited flames that had previously been brought under control. Despite aerial efforts with helicopters, the fire spread rapidly, fuelled by the evening breeze. The flames have advanced dangerously close to hotels and residences, leading to the evacuation of residents and tourists.
Interior Minister Taulant Balla has travelled to the area to closely inspect the ongoing efforts to contain the fire.
“We have deployed a large number of local emergency crews from Tirana, Kamza, Fier, Berat, Lushnje, Mirdita, and Shkodra, and more than 20 fire trucks, 80 operational crew members, supported by State Police operational forces and military personnel, who have been battling the flames overnight in a bid to contain the blaze,” Director General of the Firefighting Service Arben Cara said.
Interior Minister Balla noted that helicopters have been also involved in the operation.
Wildfires in the coastal area of Shëngjin and the mountainous region of Gjirokastër, southern Albania, have escalated overnight, prompting urgent evacuation efforts.
In the mountains of Gjirokastër, the fire situation remains critical. For nearly ten hours, flames have rapidly advanced, covering an area of almost 8 kilometers. The mountainous terrain has further complicated firefighting efforts, with crews struggling to reach the blaze.
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