The situation of fires in Albania continues to be difficult, where currently the most worrying is the northern area with at least eight fire hearths between Kukës and Lezhë.
The Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday afternoon that together with soldiers from Kosovo they are trying to control the fires in these mountainous areas. They have been able to control only one of the hearths so far, while it is emphasized that in none of the areas flats are endangered.
- Qafa e Kumbullës, Kalimash, under control
- Laku i Thive, Mirditë, active
- Maja e Runës, Malzi, active
- Laku i Mollës, Mollëkuqe, active
- Thirrë, Mirditë, under control
- Munellë, Fan, Mirditë, active
- Domgjon, Fan, Mirditë, active
- Patalej, Kolsh, Lezhë, active
“The hard and rocky terrain complicates the work […] but there is no danger to dwellings. […] The part on the side of the tunnel is under control, while the rest of the mountain is in flames,” said the ministry.
Firefighters from Kukes, Shkodra and Kosovo started last night in the tunnel of "Rruga e Kombit", as in the surrounding areas a difficult situation was caused by fires. A helicopter was also sent to the area on Tuesday morning.
Currently the tunnel is passable, however experts fear the afternoon and evening where the wind adds and reactivates the hearths.
There have been fires in other areas of the country as well.
The fire in Dukat continues to be a problem in Vlora district. Previously this hearth was put under control, but was added by the strong wind.
In the Korça region, fires in the villages of Krushovë (Korçë), Gjonomadh (Korçë), Leshnjë (Korçë), Guri i Nikës (Pogradec) have been brought under control.
Authorities have also increased their attention in Tomori Mountain.
In the regions of Gjirokastra, Fier, Dibra, Tirana, Elbasan and Shkodra, the situation is without problems.
Over 475 fire hearths have been recorded in the last month in Albania according to Global Forest Watch (GFW), which monitors the situation of forests in the world through satellite imagery.
Police said today that at least 33 people are suspected of being responsible for deliberate arson where 15 of them have been arrested, 2 have been declared wanted and 16 others have been put under investigation.