In a conversation with the Minister of Defence, Pirro Sterngu in the hall of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, providing updates on the coordination and assistance of civil emergencies, on development of the strategy for wildfire suppression in the country, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Arben Kingji said that the Armed Forces are present in all the regions deploying their forces, helicopters as well as other support staff.

We have deployed over 4,600 staff, who have been engaged in all tasks as requested. The demands have been met through the united operational centre. Coordination has been done with all institutions which are taking every step in accordance with all the rules for this purpose,” Kingji said.

He added that during this period the firefighting operations were carried out in coordination with the Air Force, which deployed Cougar helicopters to douse the flames.

“The Cougar helicopter has been operating both in view of weather conditions and during the day. We have responded to requests for health emergencies. The helicopter is at disposal 24/7,” Kingji said.

Kingji added that, “we have provided full support to the State Police with Black Hawk helicopters for the transport of personnel. The entire air fleet is on standby to respond to all civil emergency requests.”

Kingji said that bayraktar drones were also operated to spot the wildfires as well as have a clearer picture of the damage.

Kingji said, “Kuçovo Air Base with the arrival of two aircraft from Romania is operational. We have taken logistical support measures, control command to successfully carry out the mission.”

Meanwhile, director general of the National Civil Protection Agency, Haki Çako said that all wildfires have been successfully managed, despite the increased and unprecedented intensity.

“The last 24 hours alone have recorded over 40 wildfires, all of which have been put out, except for the fires in rugged terrain, for which work continues apace with all capacities and operational structures, the local government units have been assisted by central operational structures such as the armed forces, which operate from the ground, but also from the air. The air fleet staff have helped prevent situations that have endangered the lives of citizens and inhabited areas,” Çako said.

He said that the NCEA is in communication and coordination with the General Directorate of Civil Emergencies in Brussels.

“Thanks to the agreement the Albanian government has signed with the European Civil Protection Mechanism, we have enabled the arrival of two aircraft operating in the Prespa area. The results have been very positive,” said Chaco.

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