Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Monday with firefighters and Civil Emergency teams at Farka Air Base, calling for maximum readiness as Albania faces rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires.
Referring to the critical wildfire situation in France and Spain, Rama expressed solidarity with emergency crews battling the blazes and reaffirmed Albania’s willingness to assist neighbouring countries if needed.
During his address, the Prime Minister said this year’s wildfire season would be a key test of the country’s operational capabilities and the improvements made in coordinating emergency response forces. He noted that coordination is now being overseen by the Minister of Local Government and highlighted that Albania has technological resources it did not have in previous years, including four helicopters on full standby.
Rama also announced that the government has completed the procurement process for three new firefighting aircraft, which are expected to join the national fleet by the end of this year. He added that agreements are also in place to receive aerial support from partner bases should Albania face a major wildfire emergency.
Speaking about the situation across Europe, Rama said that more than 300,000 people had been forced to evacuate their homes in France and Spain due to wildfires, while the burned area has exceeded 200,000 hectares—an area larger than the Municipality of Tirana.
He stressed that wildfires are no longer isolated events but have become a consequence of a changing climate.
“What is happening today in Spain and France could happen here as well. We must ask ourselves how prepared we are if it does. Albania is a small country and cannot afford to lose a single hectare of forest. Everything we have done this year will be put to the test during this wildfire season. This requires preparation, discipline, investment, coordination, and as little improvisation as possible,” Rama said.
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