Thirty-four fires have been reported in the last 24 hours, of which 22 have been extinguished, according to data from the National Civil Emergency Operations Center.
The fires have been extinguished in the villages of Shkodër, Vlorë, Selenicë, Elbasan, Gramsh, Skrapar, Berat, Kuçovo, Tirana, Fier, Tepelën, Memaliaj, Lushnje and Librazhd. Two people in Shokder were hospitalised from smoke inhalation, while one home was destroyed.
Meanwhile, the foci continue to be active in Postriba, Vaun e Dejas, Mat, Klos, Durrës, Kurbin, Lezhë and Poliçan.
During the last 24 hours, 1004 operational forces of the Fire Protection and Rescue Service, Armed Forces, municipal forces, police forces, employees of the Protected Areas Administration, forest service, volunteer forces and 70 fire engines and the FA Cougar helicopter were deployed.
Meanwhile, the prefect of Shkodra, Majlinda Angoni, stated that the fires are not only natural, but are also suspected to be intentional.
“Yesterday was a critical day in the region of Shkodra, where we had 11 fires. A few days ago we also had the Municipality of Vau i Deja where it went through a very difficult fire situation and not all fires are from natural causes,” she said.
“At this moment, we have reports of 8 uninhabited homes in Malesia e Madhe that have been damaged, in Bërdica a house has been endangered. Yes. There are natural causes, but it is thought that they are also deliberate arson. The police are operating, I call on the prosecutor’s office to be cooperative and to bring the persons to justice”, declared the prefect.
