TIRANA, Aug 18 /ATA/ Over the past 24 hours, the fire situation in the country has improved thanks to the prompt and coordinated response of the operational structures of the Civil Protection system at local and central govt. level.
In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said that of the 53 wildfires reported, 47 have been contained and put out, while six hotspots remain active and are being monitored continuously by the ground crews.
Currently, the hotspots in the Bollotek Highlands and the village of Ternovo continue to be active, but do not risk spreading towards to the residential areas.
307 firefighting forces, 130 military forces, 58 effective state police personnel, 155 civilian emergency structures of local government, 55 personnel from the administration of protected areas, 32 forest service, and 151 volunteers participated in recent operations.
Also, the assistance of Spartan aircraft from Romania has been crucial in containing the devastating wildfires.
Amid the scorching weather, the Ministry of Defence invites all citizens and especially farmers to refrain from starting fires and to immediately report any fire cases to the relevant authorities.
“We bring to your attention that starting fires constitutes a criminal offence and is punishable by law.
The perpetrators of these offences will be held to account for threatening citizens’ lives, property, environment and our cultural values,” according to the press release.
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