Albania’s Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has introduced Ervis Gjoshi as the new acting head of the country’s General Directorate of Fire Protection and Rescue, as authorities seek to strengthen the national response to emergencies and wildfire risks.

Gjoshi takes over the leadership of the institution following the resignation of Arben Cara. He joins the post after 18 years of service in the Albanian State Police, including senior positions overseeing public order and security structures.

According to Minister Lamallari, Gjoshi’s previous experience includes serving as Deputy Director for Public Order and Security at the Tirana Local Police Directorate and previously as a police station chief in Dibër.

Lamallari said that revising the legal framework governing fire protection and rescue services, along with the development of a national fire-prevention program, will be among Gjoshi’s key priorities.

The minister stressed the need for citizens to have a professional and well-organized emergency service capable of responding at any time to increasingly complex challenges.

“Prevention is the main goal of the Albanian government and what Albanian citizens expect most,” Lamallari said.

The appointment comes as Albania continues to face significant wildfire risks during the summer season, with authorities deploying emergency personnel and equipment across several areas affected by active fires.