TIRANA, September 7 – Six homes and long-standing olive trees were destroyed by the wildfire that swept through the hills of Himara on September 4, Mayor Vangjel Tavo said. He added that no one was killed or injured.
In a television interview, Tavo said the fire started at around 19:40 on Friday in the hills above the 1 Maji neighbourhood, an area planted with long-standing olive trees. The initial fire quickly expanded, while difficult terrain hindered firefighting efforts.
As the flames spread towards the 1 Maji neighbourhood, authorities ordered evacuations from areas at risk. Tavo said the evacuation was carried out in time, with protecting residents’ lives remaining the priority. The municipality also prepared beds at the city’s secondary school gym for people needing temporary shelter.
Tavo said six homes were burned, three of them inhabited and three uninhabited. He added that 12 to 13 tourists were evacuated to safe locations. They later stayed with relatives instead of using the temporary accommodation prepared by the municipality.
Residents also helped with evacuations and other emergency operations, Tavo said. He stressed that property was damaged, but no lives were lost.
Regarding the damage, Tavo said compensation would be provided. He also said the burned olive trees would be replanted in the same areas.
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