Through a post on social networks, Lamallari underlines that preserving the territory requires responsibility from everyone, while he praised the work of the law enforcement agencies.

“Thanks to the State Police. Two suspects of intentional arson have been arrested in the act in Fier, while two others are being prosecuted for fires caused by negligence.

No arson is minor crime and no negligence is without consequences. The State Police will continue monitoring the territory, identifying the perpetrators and punishing any violation. We keep each other safe!”, wrote Lamallari. /p.s./

Of the 109 suspects, 25 were arrested at the scene, with some cases also documented through video footage, Lamallari said in an interview with media.

He said arrests alone were not enough and urged prosecutors and courts to ensure those responsible face legal consequences.

He called for the creation of a specialised unit to investigate environmental crimes, including arson, illegal logging and damage to rivers and other natural resources.

Lamallari also discussed the “Smart City” project in schools, saying it aims to improve security for students and staff through smart cameras and other technologies.

The system operates with restricted access and in line with personal data protection rules, he said. The project is expected to be expanded nationwide and will also include body cameras for police officers, as well as radars and smart sensors.

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“Albanian justice has surrendered to arsonists,” Balla said in a social media post on Saturday, citing General Prosecutor’s Office data showing that 211 arson cases were investigated over the past five years, but only 18 people were convicted.

Albania’s Criminal Code provides for up to 20 years in prison for deliberately setting forest fires, Balla said, arguing that the low number of convictions was deeply concerning.

Referring to a major fire in Krujë that was brought under control after a difficult firefighting operation, Balla said media reports indicated that the suspect had been released after a prosecutor deemed his detention by police unlawful.

He warned that a lack of effective punishment could encourage further arson and place additional pressure on firefighters battling wildfires across the country.

“If justice continues at this pace, with only one in 12 arson cases resulting in a conviction, and even that person not being made an example, firefighters will no longer be able to cope,” Balla said.

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Also participating were Director General of the State Police Skënder Hita, Director of the National Civil Protection Agency Haki Çako, as well as the Director of the National Emergency Service Skënder Brataj.

Minister Lamallari also warned of the tightening of criminal measures against arsonists, following recent changes to the Criminal Code.

“Protecting our environment is a shared duty that goes beyond government action—it requires mindful farmers, responsible tourists, and engaged citizens. Let me be clear: we will have zero tolerance for intentional arson. Those who put our communities and natural heritage at risk will face severe penalties, with sentences reaching up to 30 years in prison”, said Minister Lamallari.

The Fire and Rescue Service remains a vital pillar of public safety, backed by a significant budget increase from 2.3 billion lekë in 2024 to 2.8 billion lekë for 2025.

“We are modernizing our fleet, improving financial compensation for personnel, and expanding operational capacities nationwide,” said Minister Lamallari.

Plans include adding 130 new trucks to the current 170-vehicle fleet and constructing four new fire stations in Përrenjas, Mat, Patos, and Mirditë.

Looking ahead to the summer, the minister emphasized the critical need for strict preparedness and institutional coordination. /m.q/r.e/ /a.g/p.s./

PM Rama shared in the social media the tragic moments from the battling with the fires in Patras, Greece, responding as he put it to, “All those who speak out of hatred or annoyance about planes and forest rangers”.

Rama recalled that, “Greece has 77 firefighting planes, but the present-day fight against the fires is much more complicated than it seems when you blame the government for not having planes”.

Hence, Rama called for protection from, “The verbal arsonists of this country, the chronic losers who have nothing left to lose”.

The prime minister also took the opportunity to share the medical explanation for the pyromania, stating that, “A verbal pyromaniac is an individual who exhibits a systematic tendency to generate tension, conflict, or social polarization through spoken or written language, often for the purpose of political, media or personal gain.” /m.m/j.p/p.s./

A 68-year-old person was caught in the act starting a deliberate fire in front of the Gjanica River embankment.

While a 61-year old person was detained because he started a fire in his land to burn waste, but the flames spread up to the urban waste field putting at risk even some homes in the area.

While a 62-year old was detained for starting a deliberate fire near his house, but fires spread into the village endangering some homes.

All materials were referred to Fier Prosecution Office.

Fier Police appealed to the citizens not to start any fire because they will have to face law. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

State Police stated today that it has been engaged in the identification, capture and arrest of the arsonists.

From June to August 14, the Police has identified 137 arsonists, of whom 46 have been arrested, while 91 have been criminally prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the National Security Forces, the “Eagle” Special Forces, the General Patrols and the Operational Forces, under the direction of the heads of the regions and the General Directorate of the State Police, continue to be on the ground, assisting in the evacuation of residents and supporting Civil Emergencies and firefighters to extinguish the flames.

The operational structures of the State Police are controlling and monitoring the areas with drones, to identify in time the people who cause fires, burning private property, homes, forests, pastures and, in many cases, seriously endangering the lives of residents, police officers, firefighters and Civil Emergencies workers.

State Police appealed to all residents not to cause fires. Livestock breeders and farmers are responsible for the lands and pastures they own or use. /p.s./

Rama said that the current law is already strict for arsonists, while adding that not all judges are on duty.

“The law is already strict for those who set fires. It is known that not all judges are on duty, but we will see in this regard what we will do. But, one thing is certain: the dogs bark, but the caravan moves on”, said Rama. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

Hoxha told reporters the fires had reached “large proportions” but had been contained thanks to the combined efforts of police, civil protection units and other emergency forces.

The minister said investigations are ongoing and that anyone found to have deliberately set fires will face prosecution.

The total number of arson arrests this season has reached 40, while more than 140 people have been placed under criminal investigation nationwide, he added.

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In a social media post on Wednesday, the government head announced that police identified 14 individuals suspected of deliberately setting fires over the past 24 hours.

“Ten of the suspected arsonists have been arrested, while four others are facing legal proceedings,” Rama added.

He emphasized that the National Security Force, “Eagle” police units, general patrols, and operational teams are active on the ground, assisting with evacuations and supporting civil emergency services and firefighters.

Rama warned that those who intentionally set fires, endangering lives and property amid extreme heat and widespread Mediterranean wildfires, should face the harshest penalties allowed by law.

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