The Ministry of Defense of Albania has reported that a total of 18 wildfire outbreaks have been recorded across several regions in the last 24 hours. Of these, 15 have been fully neutralized, while 3 remain active and under close monitoring by emergency response teams on the ground.
The most affected areas are in the counties of Shkodër, Elbasan, and Gjirokastër, where firefighting efforts have been particularly intense due to challenging terrain, high temperatures, and strong winds that have accelerated the spread of flames.
In response, firefighting units (MZSH), Armed Forces (FA), and local municipal teams have been mobilized to bring the situation under control. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise heightened caution and to report any new fire outbreaks immediately.
Active Fire Zones:
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Orikum, Municipality of Vlorë – In the area known as “Sotiran,” between the villages of Tragjas and Dukat, flames have engulfed shrub and thorny vegetation on steep terrain. Overnight monitoring was followed by morning interventions involving 8 fire trucks, 4 municipal teams, 4 forest service personnel, and 20 Armed Forces troops.
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Zerqan, Municipality of Bulqizë – In “Livadhi i Peladhisë,” a wildfire is spreading across a forested area of pine and juniper trees. Around 18 hectares have already been affected. An additional 25 responders are expected to reinforce the firefighting effort.
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Lurë National Park, Dibër – In the “Liqeni i Luleve” area, a low-intensity fire is still active in pine forest and meadowland. Yesterday’s operations involved 12 members from the Fire Protection and Protected Areas Agency (AdZM).
National Firefighting Effort:
So far, the national firefighting response has deployed:
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28 fire trucks
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237 operational personnel
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40 Armed Forces members
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1 Cougar helicopter for aerial support
The threat of wildfires remains high, particularly in the counties of Fier and Vlorë, due to persistent heat and wind.
Damage Report:
Authorities report significant damage across affected regions. An estimated 36 hectares of vegetation have been burned in various areas. In Zgërbonjë village, Municipality of Poliçan, flames destroyed approximately 2,500 olive trees over 10 years old. In Kuçovë, the neighborhood of “11 Shkurti” saw 30 fruit-bearing trees — including plums, figs, grapevines, and olives — destroyed. The fire there was caused by downed low-voltage power lines.
Additionally, State Police have detained one individual suspected of intentionally setting fires in the Poliçan area.
As Albania continues to battle these blazes, the Ministry of Defense and other authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance, rapid reporting of new fires, and community cooperation to prevent further damage.