Albania Reports 25 Wildfires in 24 Hours as Crews Battle Five Active Blazes

Authorities in Albania reported 25 wildfires across the country over the past 24 hours, with most of the blazes now extinguished. Five fires remain active, while one additional area is being monitored, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Hundreds of firefighters, military personnel and emergency responders have been deployed as authorities work to contain the remaining fires.

The response involves 37 firefighting vehicles and 365 operational personnel, supported by 158 members of the Armed Forces, 10 military vehicles and four Air Force helicopters, the ministry said.

In the Mallakastër area, fires in Riban, Ngraçan, Panahor and Çyçen were fully extinguished after several days of intensive operations. A fire has since reignited deep inside a forested area in Drenie, in the municipality of Patos, where emergency crews remain deployed.

In Krujë, operations are continuing in the Abaze neighborhood and the Krastë–Halil area. Authorities said strong winds have helped spread the fire in Abaze, but there is currently no threat to residential areas.

Two Air Force helicopters were deployed early in the morning to the Krastë–Halil area to slow the spread of the flames and support crews on the ground. The situation was subsequently brought under control, while efforts continue to fully extinguish the fire. A total of four Air Force helicopters have been used in the two Krujë operations.

In Priskë e Madhe, in the municipality of Tirana, crews are working to bring the fire under control. Authorities said there is currently no danger to populated areas.

The fire in Cikallesh, in the municipality of Kavajë, has been fully extinguished, while the Dajti area remains under monitoring.

Authorities also reported that fires in Vilëz in Kurbin, Kallmet i Vogël in Lezhë, and Goraj–Budishë in Malësi e Madhe have been extinguished.

A fire on Mount Nemerçka, near Përmet, also poses no threat to populated areas, according to officials.

Albania's National Civil Protection Agency and other civil protection structures remain on alert and are continuing to coordinate firefighting efforts until all active fires have been brought under control, the Ministry of Defense said.