# Albanian wildfire prosecution and arson arrests

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-wildfire-prosecution-efforts
> Updated: 2026-08-22T11:44:09.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Wildfires have impacted several areas in Albania, including Krujë and Lura National Park. Firefighting efforts have involved aircraft, police, military personnel, and civil emergency workers to contain the blazes.

In response to the destruction, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari called for the aggressive prosecution of arsonists, urging the State Police to prioritize identifying perpetrators. Following these remarks, Socialist deputy Ulsi Manja demanded an urgent investigation by the Dibra Prosecution Office. Manja criticized the perceived lack of urgency in identifying the causes of the fires and threatened to involve the High Inspector of Justice if the investigation does not focus on those responsible for starting the fires rather than merely processing forestry officials.

As of late August, authorities have made progress in arrests. The State Police arrested a 62-year-old man in Mirditë for allegedly starting six separate fires; the suspect reportedly has a history of similar incidents. Minister Lamallari has since called for strict legal action against individuals arrested for intentional arson, emphasizing that authorities are actively tracking arsonists to protect lives, private property, and public assets. He also urged citizens to report suspicious activity and cautioned against starting fires through negligence.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Albania: Interior Minister calls for prosecution of arsonists

Albanian Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari is demanding strict prosecution after a 62-year-old man was arrested in Mirditë for intentionally starting six fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/albania-interior-minister-calls-for-prosecution-of-arsonists

### 2026-08-14: Lura wildfires: Ulsi Manja demands urgent prosecution investigation

Albanian deputy Ulsi Manja has demanded an urgent investigation by the Dibra Prosecution into the ongoing Lura National Park wildfires to identify those responsible for the fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lura-wildfires-ulsi-manja-demands-urgent-prosecution-investigation

### 2026-08-12: Albania's Interior Minister calls for prosecution of arsonists

Albanian Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has called for the strict prosecution of arsonists as authorities battle wildfires in Lura National Park and other regions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/albanias-interior-minister-calls-for-prosecution-of-arsonists

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Cite as: Albanian wildfire prosecution and arson arrests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-wildfire-prosecution-efforts