Albania is battling a wave of wildfires intensified by high temperatures and strong winds, with 12 fires remaining active across the country, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Authorities reported 45 wildfire incidents over the past 24 hours, with one additional fire under monitoring. A large-scale response has mobilized 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel, alongside support from the Armed Forces.

The military has deployed 250 personnel, five helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft to support firefighting operations. Currently, 167 Armed Forces personnel, three helicopters and two Air Tractor planes remain deployed on the ground.

One of the most serious fires has been reported in Priskë e Madhe, near Tirana, where flames have spread toward Gurra, Farkë and Lundër. The fire approached residential areas, destroyed an unoccupied house and prompted the evacuation of several families. Ground crews and aircraft continue to work to contain the blaze.

In Krujë, fires have also reignited in the Abaze area. The blaze remains active and is being fought with strong support from the Armed Forces and aerial units, while authorities are prioritizing the protection of nearby residential areas.

Another significant operation is underway in the Patos-Mallakastër area, where fires have affected Drenie, Lofkënd and Ngraci. Firefighters, local authorities and military personnel are working to contain the flames.

Firefighting operations are also continuing in Dajt, near the Selita water plant and above the Qafë-Mollë tunnels, where a fire is burning in a pine forest. Two Air Force helicopters have been deployed, although authorities say there is currently no threat to populated areas.

In Përmet, crews are battling two fires in mountainous terrain, on Mount Nemerçka above Biovizhdë and Mount Dhëmbel above Badilonjë. Authorities say the difficult terrain is complicating operations, but neither fire currently threatens residential areas.

A major ground and aerial operation is also underway in Gurë-Lurë, in Dibër municipality, involving firefighters, police, forestry services, emergency agencies, local structures and volunteers, supported by Armed Forces personnel and two Air Tractor aircraft.

Other active or monitored fires have been reported in Moravë in Devoll, Valcë-Tenë and Trojë in Mirditë, as well as Vau i Dejës. The fire in Vilëz, Kurbin, has been placed under monitoring following intervention by ground crews and an Armed Forces helicopter.

The National Civil Protection Agency and other emergency structures continue to coordinate operations across the country, with authorities saying the priority is to protect lives, homes and populated areas while containing and extinguishing the remaining active fires.

The latest wave of fires comes as high temperatures and winds continue to increase the risk of new outbreaks and the reactivation of previously contained hotspots.