started · updated
Balkan wildfires spread across Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia
Severe wildfires are spreading across the Balkan region, with significant activity reported in Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia.
In Albania, multiple hotspots are active in regions including Tirana, Durrës, Korçë, and Gjirokastër. The Ministry of Defense has deployed over 750 personnel, including military forces, police, and volunteers, alongside five helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft. High-risk areas include the outskirts of Tirana, Kruja, and the Lura National Park. Authorities have warned that arson is a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Montenegro is facing intense fires near Herceg Novi, specifically in the areas of Baošići, Bijela, and Kamenari. Strong winds have created a 15-kilometer fire front, prompting the evacuation of some residents and the deployment of helicopters and aircraft to protect homes.
In Serbia, ten active fires have been reported, with the most critical situation in the Deliblatska Peščara region, where approximately 2,000 hectares have been affected. Other notable fires are occurring on Mount Stolovi and in the Bujanovac municipality. Serbian officials noted that low water levels in the Danube are complicating firefighting efforts.
Entities
Albania · Bairam Begaj · Bajram Begaj · Blerim Begaj · Ermal Nufi · Ermal Nuhi · European Commission · Greece · Ivica Dačić · Lura National Park · Montenegro · National Agency for Civil Protection
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The European Commission noted that Albania's national capacity is often insufficient for large-scale fires. ekonomiaonline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The situation in Kruja is among the most dangerous experienced in the last four years. www.brif.mk · sitel.com.mk
- [DISPUTED] The military has deployed five helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft for firefighting. www.brif.mk · sitel.com.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Arson is a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison. www.brif.mk · sitel.com.mk
- [DISPUTED] More than 750 operational personnel are working to combat the fires. www.brif.mk · sitel.com.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vlora is the most damaged county with 466 hectares affected. ekonomiaonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A fire in the area between Daias, Lundra, Farka, and Priskë e Madhe burned approximately 20 hectares. telegrafi.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nine wildfire hotspots are active in regions including Tirana, Durrës, Korçë, and Gjirokastër. www.slobodenpecat.mk