TIRANA, August 18 – The Ministry of Defence said authorities recorded 13 wildfires across Albania by 20:00 on August 17. Seven remained active, while authorities monitored 3 others. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles joined the response. The Armed Forces deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, 3 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft.
On Mount Dajti, east of Tirana, 50 Armed Forces personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters continued the operation. Authorities reported no threat to populated areas. Meanwhile, teams kept the fire at Priska under control and contained the fire at Vakumone. In Lura National Park, Dibër Municipality, 180 municipal personnel, 15 police officers and 30 Armed Forces personnel worked with 2 Air Tractor aircraft. Firebreaks prevented the fire from reaching homes.
At Qafë-Helmës, teams put out the fire from the Bulqiza side, but flames remained active towards Selishta. Authorities reported no threat to homes. In Bruç, Mat Municipality, local and volunteer teams continued work with support from 1 Armed Forces helicopter.
Elsewhere, teams continued operations in Lufaj, Mirdita Municipality. Two Armed Forces firefighting vehicles and 9 personnel remained near homes in the Caraj neighbourhood. The fire posed no threat to residents. In Fushë-Laja, Puka Municipality, 9 firefighters, 7 forestry personnel, 46 municipal personnel, 16 volunteers and 40 Armed Forces personnel continued the response. Authorities reported no threat to populated areas. Meanwhile, teams fully extinguished the fire in Rrjoll, Lezha Municipality. The National Civil Protection Agency continues to monitor the situation nationwide and keeps operational teams ready to respond.
/a.p./
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