Selenicë, Albania blaze engulfs vehicle collection site, dozens of cars burned

A large fire broke out around midday on Wednesday in the village of Penkovë, within the Selenicë municipality of Albania. The blaze quickly spread, aided by high temperatures and wind, and threatened a vehicle collection point used for scrap parts.

Local fire crews, equipped with only one fire engine, were joined by teams from Vlora and Himara. Together they managed to contain the flames and prevent further spread. Dozens of private vehicles at the site were destroyed, but no people were injured.

Business owner Tomian Hysaj, whose vehicles were affected, estimated the material loss at roughly 35 million old lek and appealed for assistance from the Selenicë municipality and state institutions. Civil‑Emergency Chief Arqile Kokalli said the joint effort of the fire units was crucial in localising the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown and is under investigation.