The aircraft will assist aerial operations in the southern coastal villages of Borsh, Piqeras, and Lukovë, where wildfires have been spreading rapidly in hard-to-reach terrain.

The intervention aims to reinforce efforts to contain the blazes that have threatened homes and businesses, exacerbated by strong morning winds.

In parallel, Albanian Air Force helicopters have been operating near Zhulat (Gjirokastër) and Qafë Buall (Bulqizë), north-eastern Albania.

Earlier in the day, two military helicopters resumed aerial firefighting in Borsh, Piqeras, and Sasaj. Authorities reported that by midday, the fires in these areas had been stabilized, with ground teams continuing close monitoring to prevent new flare-ups.

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In his remarks, Basha said that “this is very good news amid critical moment of dealing with fires.

“Activation of the Civil Protection Mechanism by the European Union to help Albania and the countries of the region, is very good news at this critical moment of dealing with fires. Gratitude to the European Union for the help, always a good friend in difficult times,” the DP leader Basha said.

As forest fires continue affecting various regions in the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans, the European Commission is swiftly mobilising support to assist countries in limiting the spread of the fires and protect lives and livelihoods.

Two helicopters to support operations in Albania will be equally dispatched from Czechia and the Netherlands. //a.i/