TIRANA, September 3 – The Defence Ministry reported 20 wildfires across Albania on Wednesday. Four remain active, while 3 others are under surveillance and 3 have been fully extinguished.

Authorities have deployed 183 operational personnel and 21 firefighting vehicles to deal with the situation. The response also includes 80 military personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters.

The most challenging fires remain in Mount Dajti-Qafë-Priska, Vajkal in Bulqiza, Lundra in Mat and Mallunxe in Mat. In Mount Dajti-Qafë-Priska, the situation remains problematic but poses no threat to populated areas. At Vajkal, the fire has spread across more than 13 hectares, prompting a major deployment of personnel. In Lundra, flames have affected around 90-100 hectares of forest, while an Air Force helicopter has joined the operation.

Elsewhere, authorities are monitoring fires at Qafë-Lugu-Vithkuq and Mount Qukës. In Iballe, Fushë-Arrëz, difficult and inaccessible terrain has also led authorities to deploy an Air Force helicopter.

At the same time, crews have fully extinguished fires in Podgorc, Psar and Therepel-Skrapar. The fire at Therepel had threatened the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

The National Civil Protection Agency continues to coordinate the response with prefectures, municipalities and other civil protection structures across the country.

/a.p./