TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Himara appears somewhat calmer early Saturday after a long and difficult night. The flames are no longer considered a direct threat to the city’s residential areas. The focus has shifted to the hills below Pilur, where the fire remains active.
Teams are also using aircraft to isolate and extinguish the remaining hotspots. Emergency forces remain on alert as flames continue to burn in hilly areas and vegetation.
The fire spread rapidly on Friday evening as strong winds pushed the flames across hills near the 1 Maji neighborhood and the city bypass. The blaze affected olive groves and orchards. Authorities evacuated 36 families, while many residents, holidaymakers and tourists left homes and hotels. Some people gathered near the coast, away from the flames and heavy smoke.
The fire has reportedly damaged six homes, three occupied and three unoccupied. Authorities have yet to establish the full extent of the material damage. Around 300 personnel are involved in the response, including firefighters, police officers, municipal forces, medical emergency teams and civil emergency volunteers. Another 160 military personnel have joined the operation.
Fire and rescue teams from Fier, Tirana, Tepelena, Himara, Vlora, Finiq, Delvina, Saranda, Gjirokaster and Dropull are taking part. Officials and representatives of central and local institutions have also arrived, including Vlora Prefect Evis Alushi, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and Defense Minister Ermal Nufi. Security and emergency officials Skender Hitaj and Haki Cako are also among those present.
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