TIRANA, August 4/ATA/ Strong winds are rapidly spreading a large wildfire across the hills of Riban in Mallakastra. Ground crews and fire engines from Mallakastra, Patos, and Fier are battling the rugged terrain to contain the blaze, while helicopters have joined the operation from the air.
Crews on the ground and a firefighting helicopter are working hard to control the fire in Riban, said Mallakastra’s mayor Qerim Ismailaj. He thanked the Civil Emergencies team and local workers for protecting the area. He also asked residents to be careful, avoid starting fires, and report smoke right away.
Meanwhile, it is reported that police evacuated 15 families, along with their livestock and pets, as flames approached residential areas to ensure everyone’s safety.
Recent high temperatures have triggered multiple wildfires. The Ministry of Defense reports that 727 personnel were deployed over the past 24 hours to manage 20 active fire outbreaks across various regions.
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