Albania fights multiple forest fires across districts

In the past ten hours, Albanian authorities reported 14 forest fire incidents, with seven still active. The most critical situation is in the Mallakastër municipality, where flames threaten to spread toward inhabited villages near Riban and Ngraçan. Operations are also ongoing around Dajti, in the Elbasan region (Shqiponjë, Dardhë and Mjekës), and in the mountainous area between Stegopull and Selckë (Libohovë and Dropull). A fire in Penkova (Selenicë) has been fully extinguished after burning about two hectares of pine forest and 40 abandoned vehicles.

The response involves 29 fire‑fighting vehicles, 246 operational personnel, 90 armed‑forces members, one helicopter and an Air Tractor aircraft, supplemented by municipal fire crews, 35 local forces and additional army personnel. Officials from the Ministry of Defense, the National Civil Protection Agency and local prefectures coordinated the effort. No risk to residential areas has been reported.