TIRANA, July 27 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama said he had proposed awarding an extra month’s pay to Ministry of Defence personnel involved in firefighting operations, while calling on municipalities across the country to do the same for their own firefighting teams.

Rama made the remarks during a meeting at Farka Air Base with firefighters and Civil Emergency personnel, where he discussed the challenges posed by the heightened risk of wildfires amid scorching temperatures.

“I have proposed that all Ministry of Defence personnel involved in this effort be immediately rewarded with an extra month’s pay. At the same time, I call on municipalities to do the same for their own teams working on the ground and to do so without delay,” Prime Minister Rama said.

Rama stressed that, despite investments in infrastructure and equipment, the people at the heart of the response are those who put on the uniform and go out into the field, regardless of working hours, extreme temperatures or the risks they face.

“We are deeply grateful to you, and all of Albania thanks you in advance, knowing that you will once again be the heroes of the summer season,” Rama said, addressing the firefighting teams.

The prime minister stressed that Albania’s firefighting capacity has grown and will continue to expand through further investment in logistics, equipment, training and coordination.

Rama assured that the government would continue investing in the modernisation of the fire protection and rescue services, improving working conditions, strengthening cooperation with partners and, of course, increasing salaries.

The prime minister also underlined the importance of preventive work across the country.

“I urge people to exercise caution. Wildfires can start from the smallest things — a cigarette discarded from a car window, embers left after a picnic, or any other careless action that can quickly turn into a fire,” he said.

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