TIRANA, Aug 11 /ATA/ The Ministry of Defence said today that several wildfire hotspots had been reported by 4 p.m., with eight fires currently still active across the Tirana, Fier, Durres, Gjirokaster and Diber regions.
According to a ministry statement, 165 operational personnel and 85 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed to manage the situation, while seven helicopter missions and two Air Tractor aircraft missions have been carried out.
In Dajt, Tirana municipality, a fire has reignited in a pine forest above the Qafë Mollë tunnels. Twenty-two personnel from the local fire service and the Tirana Regional Administration of Protected Areas are involved in the operation, which is also being supported by an Armed Forces helicopter.
Firefighters are also continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze in Priskë e Madhe. There is currently no threat to nearby residential areas.
In Drenie, Patos municipality, a fire that had been brought under control has reignited deep inside the forest. The operation is being supported by two Air Tractor aircraft. Conditions in Drenie have currently improved.
In Krujë, operations are continuing at two active fire hotspots. In the Abaze neighbourhood, the blaze spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds, but there is currently no risk to populated areas.
In Krastë–Halil, the situation worsened in the early morning hours, posing an increased risk to homes. The intervention of two helicopters has helped stabilise the situation, while ground teams continue efforts to contain and fully extinguish the fire.
In the Nemërçkë mountain area of Përmet municipality, firefighting operations are continuing. The blaze poses no threat to populated areas.
Meanwhile, a new fire hotspot has been reported on Mount Dhëmbel, above the village of Badilonjë, where Përmet fire service teams are working to extinguish the blaze.
In Gurë-Lurë, Dibër municipality, a fire has been reported in an area covered by pine forest and pastureland. Intensive efforts are underway to extinguish the blaze.
The National Civil Protection Agency and civil protection structures remain on full alert and are continuing to monitor and coordinate operations on the ground, with particular focus on fires that pose a risk of spreading and those threatening populated areas.
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