The balance of the past few hours once again highlights the pressure from wildfires in several counties across the country. According to the authorities, 28 fire hotspots were recorded in the last 24 hours, while 5 of them remain active, with forces engaged on the ground and from the air.
Large-scale operation on the ground and from the air
The official version speaks of significant engagement in the operations to isolate and extinguish the fires: 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational personnel, 90 members of the Armed Forces, 3 helicopters and 1 Air Force “Air Tractor” aircraft.
The scale of this mobilization shows that the situation has not been merely episodic, although institutions insist that in some areas the risk to homes remains under control.
Dajti and Mallakastra, two of the most sensitive points
In the Dajti area, according to state structures, work continues to extinguish the flames with forces from the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, the National Agency of Protected Areas, and 50 members of the Armed Forces. The “Air Tractor” aircraft is also being used in the operation, while authorities say there is no risk to inhabited areas.
In the villages of Riban and Ngraçan in the Municipality of Mallakastër, the situation is reported to be moving toward containment after intervention from the ground and the air. However, 4 families were temporarily evacuated for safety reasons, an indication that the risk on the ground was real and not merely formal.
Elbasan remains in focus
In Elbasan County, work continued at the hotspots in Shqiponjë, Dardha mountain and the village of Mjekës. According to the official report, the fire in Shqiponjë is under control, the hotspot on Dardha mountain has been isolated, while efforts are continuing in Mjekës for final extinguishing.
Here too, authorities say there is no risk to inhabited areas, although the dynamics of fires in open terrain often remain dependent on the wind and conditions on the ground.
Damage to affected areas and zones under monitoring
In Kostren, Berat, combing and monitoring of the area are being carried out, while in Pocest, Dibër, the fire has been extinguished after the intervention of operational forces. The hotspots in the Stegopull–Selckë area and in Levenishtë in Gjirokastër County have also been reported extinguished and are being kept under observation.
About 34.5 hectares of grassland, shrubs, pine and mixed forest have been affected by the fires. For the area affected by the 5 hotspots still active, the assessment remains incomplete.
The National Civil Emergency Agency and civil protection structures say they are continuing monitoring and coordination of interventions across the entire territory.
The full damage assessment and the real impact on the ground remain tied to the final extinguishing of the hotspots that are still active.