Large forest fire near Kruje forces evacuations; suspect arrested
Firefighters, soldiers and three military helicopters battled the blaze overnight; a suspect has been arrested for allegedly igniting dry grass.
A large forest fire erupted on the Kruje mountain and spread toward nearby settlements, forcing the evacuation of residents from several villages overnight.
Firefighters, soldiers and three military helicopters fought the blaze throughout the night. Ground crews and aerial assets continue suppression efforts, but steep and difficult terrain is complicating operations.
The blaze and firefighting response
Authorities say crews are attacking the fire both from the ground and from the air. Residents from the Barabit-Ljuban area in the municipality of Kruje were evacuated during the night after flames neared inhabited locations.
Albanian police announced they arrested a person suspected of starting the fire. According to initial information, the suspect burned dry grass near his home on Saturday, but the flames spread quickly because of strong winds and reached the Kruje mountain.
The fire broke out roughly 38 kilometres north of the capital, Tirana, and emergency services are continuing efforts to bring it under full control.
Photo: press material from the event
