During the presentation, officials announced that three state-owned firefighting aircraft will soon be added to Albania’s existing aerial fleet. Together with the country’s helicopter fleet, the new aircraft are expected to significantly strengthen Albania’s ability to respond rapidly to large-scale wildfires.

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said the government has launched the largest investment in recent years to modernise the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, with funding from the state budget for 130 new fire engines.

According to Lamallari, the government has adopted a strategy focused on prevention rather than response, including operational plans for all 61 municipalities, stronger monitoring and surveillance systems, technical inspections, and public awareness campaigns.

He also said cooperation with the State Police has been intensified to tackle cases of deliberate arson. Recent amendments to the Criminal Code have increased the maximum penalty for intentional wildfire offences to 15 years in prison.

The minister further announced that four new fire stations will be built in Prrenjas, Mat, Patos, and Mirdita. In addition, the 2026 State Budget Normative Act allocates an extra 227.7 million lek to strengthen the Fire Protection and Rescue Service.

Lamallari also praised the country’s new volunteer firefighting programme, revealing that the first 100 volunteers, employees of the Illyrian Guard joint-stock company, have been certified and will support civil emergency services after completing their training.

The event was held ahead of a period of high temperatures and increased wildfire risk, with authorities presenting the measures taken to strengthen operational capacity, improve preparedness, and enhance coordination among institutions to protect lives, property, and the environment.