Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja spoke today about the alarming wildfires affecting several areas of the country. He emphasized that institutions remain fully committed to protecting Albania’s cultural heritage.

Gonxhja said the ministry, together with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and regional directorates, continuously monitors developments on the ground. He added that authorities have taken concrete measures to prevent damage to historical and cultural monuments.

In Dibër and Shkodër, flames affected some areas, but no cultural sites suffered damage. Rapid intervention by firefighters and army units kept monuments such as the Kastriotis Museum and Fleti Castle safe.

In Vlora, fires reached near the Monastery of St. Mary in Piqeras. Authorities reported only minor vegetation damage in the rear courtyard, with no harm to the monastery’s structure.

The minister noted that the most serious case occurred in Gjirokastër. The Church of St. Elias in Lekël, a second-category cultural monument, suffered fire damage. Immediate action saved most of the structure. Officials now plan restoration and repair work.

Gonxhja stressed that all Regional Cultural Heritage Directorates remain on full alert. They created safety buffers, removed dry vegetation, coordinated with firefighters, and equipped staff to respond on site.

He called on citizens to remain vigilant. Gonxhja urged them to avoid lighting fires in nature or during field cleaning. He asked them to report any smoke or flames immediately.

/a.p./