Albanian authorities fight 16 wildfires, five remain active
The Albanian Ministry of Defence reported that 16 separate fire outbreaks were tackled across the country on the same day. Five of these fires are still active but are now under control, with ongoing efforts to extinguish them completely.
Operations were coordinated by the National Agency for Civil Protection and involved 261 personnel, 40 fire‑engine vehicles, two military helicopters, and additional assets from the Armed Forces, State Police, rapid intervention units, mountain rescue services and local civil‑defence structures. The most affected districts included Kavajë, Fier, Lezhë, Elbasan and Divjakë, while a night‑long operation in Shëngjin also required helicopter water drops.
In the village of Drizë (Fier district) the fire forced the evacuation of 11 families; police have detained two suspects linked to alleged arson and are pursuing legal action. Authorities continue to urge citizens to report any suspicious fires and to follow preventive measures.