Albania has been at “war” with the flames for several days now, as high temperatures and winds in some areas have encouraged the spread of fires. The situation is particularly critical in the south of the country.

In fact, following a bilateral request from Albania’s Ministry of National Defence to the Unified Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (CSOCC), the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection sent two firefighting aircraft to Albania. Specifically, two PZL aircraft were dispatched from the Corfu Air Base, destined for the affected area, in order to assist in the extinguishing operation.

In the area of the“Blue Eye” in Agioi Saranda, the fire came dangerously close, leading to the evacuation of citizens for safety reasons. The situation remains equally serious in the Municipality of Finikaia, where the fire is moving from village to village. In Kato Lesinitsa several houses were destroyed, while at the moment the front has passed to the village of Krania in the administrative unit of Mesopotamos.

In the village of Krongi of the same municipality, a fire has reignited, resulting in the evacuation of residences as a precautionary measure.

In the village of Bolena, which belongs to the municipality of Himara, the battle with the flames continues, where ground forces supported by 20 soldiers of the Armed Forces are operating. According to the latest information, assistance from aerial firefighting means has been requested at this particular point.

In total, 37 firefighters with six vehicles, 20 police officers, 30 municipal and volunteer firefighters, and 28 members of the Armed Forces with four fire engines, one ambulance and one water truck have been mobilized on the front of Lukovo and the surrounding areas. The Canadair aircraft from Croatia is operating from the air, which is carrying out water drops on the outbreaks.