Large wildfire rages on Mount Krujë; residents evacuated
Residents were moved overnight as firefighters, the army and three military helicopters battled flames on Mount Krujë.
A large wildfire has been burning since yesterday afternoon on Mount Krujë, roughly 38 kilometres north of Tirana, forcing local evacuations and a mixed ground-and-air response.
Firefighting effort stretched across difficult terrain
Firefighters, the army and three military helicopters are engaged in efforts to contain the blaze. Steep and difficult terrain has limited ground access, so a significant portion of the suppression work is being carried out from the air.
During the night, authorities evacuated residents from the Barabit-Ljuban area in the municipality of Kruja as the fire advanced toward inhabited zones. Emergency teams say they are continuing operations to bring the fire under control.
The police have detained a man suspected of having started the fire after burning dry grass near his home. Investigators say the flames spread rapidly because of strong winds and reached Mount Krujë, putting nearby settlements at risk.
Officials reported no immediate information about casualties in the initial reports and emphasized that containment work was ongoing, with priority on protecting populated areas and limiting further spread.
Photo: press material from the event
