The wildfire situation appears to be improving, at least according to the balance sheet provided by the Ministry of Defense, which announced that by 5:00 p.m. 10 hotspots had been recorded across the country. Four of them remain active, while for the rest authorities say they have been isolated or are being kept under monitoring.
Balance reported by the authorities
According to the Ministry of Defense, 6 hotspots are under control or under monitoring, while intervention continues in the areas considered most problematic. The official version stresses that the priority remains the protection of homes and المواطنين’ lives.
A total of 332 operational forces and 15 fire engines have been deployed in the reported operations. Also involved are 150 members of the Armed Forces, 3 firefighting vehicles, 1 heavy excavator, 3 helicopters, and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.
Puka remains one of the main focal points
In the Gojan–Gjegjan area of Puka, authorities say the situation has seen significant improvement. The hotspots in Gjegjan, Gojan i Vogël, and Gojan i Madh have been isolated, while control of the fire line continues to prevent reactivation.
Forces from Puka, Fushë-Arrëz, and Kamza have been deployed in this area, along with the forest service, local workers, volunteers, and members of the Armed Forces, supported by firefighting vehicles, an excavator, and two helicopters.
Meanwhile, in Prozhem in Puka, the hotspot remains active in a forested area. According to the official report, the intensity of the flames is affected by the wind, but there is currently no risk to homes.
Operations in Mirdita and on Mount Dajti
In Shtanë–Tenë in Mirdita, the intervention is continuing with local forces and members of the Armed Forces. Here too, according to authorities, there is no risk to homes.
Another hotspot where the operation is continuing is Mount Dajti. Firefighters, forces from the administration of protected areas, and army troops have been deployed on the ground, supported by one helicopter and two Air Tractor aircraft. The Ministry claims there is no risk to residential areas.
Dukat extinguished, questions remain over field management
Authorities announced that the fire in Dukat has been completely extinguished, while the other hotspots are being kept under monitoring by structures on the ground.
The National Civil Protection Agency is said to be coordinating the situation with prefectures, municipalities, and other structures of the civil protection system. However, beyond the optimistic balance reported by the institutions, the situation remains dependent on the wind, the terrain, and the real ability to prevent the reactivation of active hotspots.
So far, the official version insists that there is no risk to homes in the areas where the fires remain active.
What remains to be seen is whether this improvement will hold in the coming hours, especially in the hotspots where conditions on the ground could quickly change the situation.