Firefighters across Albania battled multiple wildfires over the weekend, with emergency crews working for hours to contain blazes in several areas, including Mallakastër, Vlora, Fushë-Arrëz, and Lezhë.

In the village of Drenovë in Mallakastër, an intensive firefighting operation involving six fire engines and more than 50 firefighters from several municipalities brought the flames under control. Local residents also joined emergency teams in efforts to prevent the fire from reaching nearby homes and the village cemetery.

Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 10 hectares of land, including olive groves and shrub-covered forest areas, were destroyed by the blaze. Firefighters remain in the area monitoring the terrain to prevent possible flare-ups.

Meanwhile, emergency crews have been battling another wildfire in Palasë, Vlora, where flames broke out around midnight. Authorities deployed two helicopters to support ground teams and help contain the fire.

Another major wildfire affected the village of Bardhet in Fushë-Arrëz, where flames spread through pine forest areas and approached residential buildings. After several hours of intervention by firefighters from Fushë-Arrëz and Pukë, forestry officials, and local residents, the situation was brought under control.

Authorities are investigating the possible cause of the Bardhet fire, with initial suspicions pointing to negligence involving several children. Their father was questioned by police as part of the investigation.

In Lezhë, firefighters also extinguished a blaze in the Hospital District after flames that started in a pile of waste spread toward nearby homes. A rapid response by emergency services prevented significant damage. Police have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Authorities continue to monitor high-risk areas as Albania faces increased wildfire threats during the summer season, urging residents to avoid activities that could accidentally trigger new fires.