World
Albania Battles Ongoing Wildfires
Follow the latest updates on the ongoing wildfires in Albania as firefighters battle to contain the blaze and protect communities and natural habitats. Stay informed on the efforts to combat the destructive fires.
Albanian authorities are grappling with a challenging third week of battling fires that have been sweeping through the country. The wildfires initially erupted in the southern regions of Albania but have since spread to the northern areas. Recently, three new fires emerged in the northeastern district of Diber, and another blaze ignited in the central Albanian district of Elbasan.
Seeking International Assistance
Albania’s Interior Minister, Taulant Balla, disclosed that the government has reached out to the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) for aid. He highlighted the difficulty faced in reaching remote mountainous regions and the limited resources available, with just one Cougar helicopter in operation. As a member of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism since 2022, Albania can receive support from other countries during times of crises.
International Help Arrives
In response to the escalating wildfires, multiple Canadair planes were dispatched from neighboring Greece to assist in extinguishing the flames. Notably, a State Supreme Audit revealed that Albania’s fire trucks are outdated and poorly maintained. The report also exposed that although the Defence Ministry owns four emergency helicopters, only one is operational due to safety test failures.
Utilizing Drone Technology
While drones do not directly combat fires, the General Director of the Fire Department, Arben Cara, mentioned that the police employ Bayraktar drones for aerial surveillance. These drones play a crucial role in identifying and assessing fire hotspots from above, aiding in the formulation of effective firefighting strategies.
Albania’s Wildfire Challenge
With its combination of high temperatures and diverse landscapes, Albania is particularly susceptible to summer wildfires, annually consuming an average of 10 thousand hectares of land. The country’s ongoing efforts to combat these blazes underscore the importance of preparedness and international cooperation in managing natural disasters.