A large fire has been burning for days in the Vajkal and Qafë-Helma area, in Fushë-Bulqizë, while the flames have spread across wide areas of forest and scrubland. The danger has increased as the fire has moved close to Vajkal 1 and Vajkal 2, putting pressure on residents and efforts to protect homes.
Hundreds of hectares burned in forest massifs
The fire has engulfed stands of beech, pine and scrub, causing considerable damage in Bulqizë’s forested area.
The publicly released toll speaks of hundreds of hectares burned, while the mountainous terrain and the rapid spread of the flames have significantly hampered intervention from the ground.
Flames near two villages raise concern for residents
The situation is particularly critical because the fire fronts have moved close to the two villages of Vajkal 1 and Vajkal 2.
The fire’s approach toward inhabited areas has increased fears of further spread and danger to homes, in terrain where bringing the flames under control remains difficult.
Intervention from the air and on the ground
According to the authorities, a helicopter has also been deployed for aerial intervention for the past two days.
This morning, army forces also arrived in the area, along with staff from emergency structures, in an effort to isolate the fire fronts and prevent the flames from advancing toward inhabited areas.
The operation continues, but the risk remains high
According to the official version, teams on the ground are working to neutralize the fire fronts and protect local residents.
However, the situation remains under constant monitoring, as there is a risk that the fire could spread even further if the flames are not brought under control.
The fire in Bulqizë remains a serious environmental and civil emergency, with a heavy cost for the area’s forests and a direct threat to the villages near the active fire fronts.
Beyond the official announcements about the deployment of forces on the ground, the real test will be stopping the advance of the flames toward inhabited areas.