High temperatures and wind are worsening the wildfire situation in several areas of the country, while blazes that had earlier been brought under control are reigniting. The balance reported by institutions through the evening shows a map that is still burning, with the main focus in Dibër and several areas of Tirana continuing to have flames present.
What institutions report on the wildfire toll
According to the Ministry of Defense, 38 wildfire hotspots were reported nationwide by 20:00 during the day. Of these, 18 remain under observation: 14 active, 2 under monitoring, and 2 under control.
The official version speaks of a coordinated engagement by local and central Civil Protection structures. The Armed Forces are also involved in the operation with 309 personnel, 22 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances, 9 fire engines, 3 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.
Tirana, several villages with flames and intervention from the ground and air
In Tirana County, work continues in Dajt and along the Priskë e Madhe–Gurrë–Farkë–Lundër axis. Fire services, environmental structures, volunteers and air support from the Armed Forces have been deployed on the ground.
According to the authorities, despite the difficult terrain and the earlier spread of the fire, there is currently no reported risk to inhabited areas. This is the official claim in a situation that remains sensitive because of the wind and high temperatures.
Gurë-Lurë remains the most critical point
The largest deployment has been concentrated in Gurë-Lurë, Dibër, where 120 municipal forces, 57 Armed Forces personnel, 15 police officers, 15 volunteers and 9 employees from the administration of protected areas are on the ground. The operation is also supported by 2 Air Tractor aircraft.
According to the official report, the perimeter near homes has been brought under control and their burning has been prevented, while work continues in two other directions where the flames are spreading. Firefighters, municipal forces and the area’s administrative unit are also operating in Qafa e Helmes.
Active hotspots also in several other counties
In Krujë, the fire in the Abaze neighborhood is reported under control, while in Bojë, Krastë and Halil no active hotspots are being reported anymore. In Përmet, work continues in Nëmerçkë and Dhëmbel, in difficult terrain, but with no risk to homes according to institutions.
In Moravë of Devoll the situation has been brought under control, while in Mirditë, in the area of Troja, the operation has been reinforced with 30 Armed Forces personnel. In Shkodër, work continues in Rrencë and Goraj-Budishtë, where one hotspot is being isolated, while the one in Kryezi is under control.
In Elbasan, operations are continuing in Dardhë, Lugaxhi and Shalës. Meanwhile in Finiq, the hotspots in Dhivër and Rumanxë have been completely extinguished, while the one in Dhrovjan is reported under control.
Mallakastër remains in expansion
Unlike the areas where authorities speak of stabilization, in Mallakastër the fire continues to spread. Dozens of personnel have been deployed on the ground to isolate the flames, keeping this hotspot among the most concerning nationwide.
The real extent of the damage and the efficiency of the response remain tied to developments in the coming hours, especially under conditions where wind and high temperatures are favoring the spread of the fires.
The overall picture remains unstable, despite statements that some hotspots are under control.
With 18 hotspots still problematic and a severe situation in Gurë-Lurë and Mallakastër, the test for emergency structures remains far from over.