Albania is facing a critical wildfire emergency, with flames spreading rapidly across multiple regions, endangering lives, destroying property, and threatening natural heritage sites. The situation has reached alarming levels in the Gramsh area, where despite the intervention of firefighting forces, the blaze has advanced dangerously close to residential areas in at least three villages.
.jpg "Albania in Flames: Wildfires Threaten Villages, Force Mass Evacuations")
According to official reports, two major wildfire fronts have been raging since the early morning hours. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that 80 Armed Forces personnel have been deployed on the ground to support local firefighters working tirelessly to contain the flames. Aerial assistance is also being mobilized to slow the fire’s advance.
Due to the escalating threat, authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents from the villages of Kullollas, Bletëz, and Menkollarë. Four helicopters have been dispatched to battle the two massive fire hotspots. However, access to some of the affected areas remains impossible. A2 CNN reports that Kullollas and Bletëz are currently surrounded by flames, with no confirmation yet on potential injuries or casualties. Emergency teams attempting to reach the villages have been blocked by fire, unable to proceed further.
The gravity of the situation has prompted the urgent arrival of Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha and Civil Emergencies Director Haki Çako in Gramsh to oversee firefighting and evacuation operations firsthand.
Meanwhile, the capital city of Tirana has reported 10 separate wildfire outbreaks since Monday, with four of them posing significant threats. Fires in Arbanë, Selitë, Zall Herr, and Brar—near Shkalla e Tujanit—have required both ground and aerial intervention. As of now, the fire in Zall Herr remains active, while others are being brought under control. Police have opened proceedings against two individuals, including a 32-year-old man with mental health issues, for negligence linked to the fires.
In the south, a massive blaze engulfed the Blue Eye Natural Park (Syri i Kaltër) in Sarandë yesterday afternoon, continuing overnight with reduced intensity. A Canadair water bomber and a helicopter began operations this morning to prevent further spread. Over 500 tourists have been evacuated from the area, and road access along the Muzinë–Sarandë route has been temporarily closed after flames reached the roadway. The situation remains critical along the Bistricë–Muzinë road as well.
Nearby, in the village of Pecë, flames were extinguished overnight, but the municipality of Finiq remains on high alert. In Leshnicë e Poshtme, several houses have been completely destroyed. The fire continues to spread from one village to another, leaving a trail of devastation.
In the Berat region, another large wildfire was reported yesterday afternoon in Poliçan, consuming vast forest areas in mountainous terrain and moving dangerously close to homes.
The Ministry of Defense, Civil Emergencies, and local government structures across Albania remain on full alert, working alongside firefighting units to battle the blazes. Officials warn that with high temperatures, dry vegetation, and shifting winds, the risk of further flare-ups remains extremely high.