A wildfire that broke out earlier on Monday in the municipality of Finiq has reportedly spread out of control, with flames advancing rapidly toward the neighboring municipality of Delvinë.

The fire, which started on Mount Matomares, has been fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, allowing it to spread across a large area of vegetation and posing a direct threat to nearby communities.

The most critical situation has been reported in the villages of Mesopotam and Kostar, where homes are at risk, as well as in the village of Vllahat within the Delvinë municipality.

Emergency response teams remain on the scene, including three helicopters, fire crews from Delvinë and Finiq, around 50 volunteers, and 40 members of the Albanian Armed Forces, who are continuing efforts to contain the blaze.

In a video posted on social media, Albania's Minister of Defense, Besfort Lamallari, said that residents of the affected villages are being evacuated as a precaution.

The wildfire has been burning for approximately five hours, while authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze.