TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence said 25 wildfires broke out across Albania over the past 24 hours. Nine of them remain active.

Firefighting operations involve 41 fire engines and 395 operational personnel. In addition, 167 Armed Forces personnel, 3 helicopters and 2 Air Force “Air Tractor” aircraft are operating in the field.

In Mount Dajti and Priska e Madhe, fire and rescue forces and protected-area management authorities continue their interventions with aerial support. They report no threat to homes in either area. Meanwhile, in Drenie, Patos municipality, 30 Armed Forces personnel continue the operation after the fire reignited. Two “Air Tractor” aircraft also supported the operation yesterday.

In Kruja, military and local forces continue operations in the Abaze neighbourhood and the Krasta–Halil area, with aerial support. Authorities report no threat to populated areas. At the same time, firefighters, municipal personnel and Armed Forces personnel continue operations in Mount Nemërçka and Mount Dhëmbel. They also report no threat to homes in these areas.

Elsewhere, forces continue one of the most significant operations in Gura-Lura, Dibër municipality, where the fire has approached several homes. Firefighters, municipal and forestry personnel, protected-area management authorities and volunteers are working alongside 50 Armed Forces personnel, 2 helicopters and 2 “Air Tractor” aircraft. Firefighters have positioned themselves near the homes to protect the community.

The fire on Mount Morava in Devoll municipality also remains active. The blaze is burning in a protected pine-forest area. Firefighters from Devoll and Korça are working with the forestry service to contain it. Authorities report no threat to populated areas.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence said forces continue operations with increased ground and aerial capacities. They are focusing on protecting homes and communities, containing the spread of the fires and fully neutralising the active fire fronts.

/a.p./