TIRANA, July 27 – Albania is currently facing a challenging wildfire situation, with 21 active fires reported across the country, the Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday.
In total, 45 fires were registered in the past 24 hours, of which 8 have been extinguished and 16 are being closely monitored.
According to the Ministry of Defense, key hotspots include Lurë National Park, where fires continue in Gropa e Madhe and Pllau i Gjurës, Zall Gjoçaj, Mat, Qafë Buall, Bulqizë: 120 troops and 2 helicopters were deployed; 6 homes evacuated; Delvinë region, where fires are spreading across multiple villages including Kalasë, Borsh, and Kopaçëz; Mirditë and Kurbin areas, where intense fires are fueled by wind and heat; Prespa National Park, Pustec, and Gjirokastër region are also experiencing persistent fires.
Other fires were reported in Gramsh, Elbasan, Pogradec, Devoll, Berat, Shijak, Tirana, Shkodër, Kukës, and Malësi e Madhe, among others.
A total of 1,350 operational forces, 65 fire engines, and multiple aircraft were involved in suppression efforts. This includes support from two Hungarian helicopters and Canadair aircraft from Croatia and Italy under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Forecasts from the Geosciences Institute indicate light rainfall in Shkodër and other parts of the country, but the wildfire risk remains high across all regions, especially in Berat, Dibër, Elbasan, Fier, Lezhë, and Vlorë.
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