Large wildfire rages in Saranda; homes and 40 Martyrs monastery at risk
Blaze in the green belt above Saranda approaches homes and a historic monastery; firefighting teams and a Cougar helicopter are on the scene.
A large wildfire erupted this afternoon in the Albanian coastal city of Saranda, threatening nearby residential buildings and the well-known Monastery of the 40 Martyrs.
The blaze started in the green belt above the city close to Hotel Turizam and quickly spread through dense vegetation. Flames and thick smoke alarmed locals and tourists, and authorities have not yet released official information on the cause of the fire.
Response
Firefighting teams are working on the ground to contain the flames, and a Cougar helicopter has been deployed to support aerial firefighting efforts. Emergency units are concentrating on creating protective firebreaks because the fire is spreading rapidly.
Reports from the scene indicate that the fire's tongues of flame are moving fast through the undergrowth, producing a critical situation as they advance toward residential blocks.
Local emergency services remain focused on preventing further spread and protecting inhabited areas and the monastery. Tourism areas nearby reported heightened alarm among visitors as smoke and fire approached.
No authorities have yet provided a cause for the fire; operations to extinguish the blaze and secure the area are ongoing.
Photo: press material from the event
