Wildfire in southwestern Albania forces evacuation of 15 families in Prodonia and Riban

A large wildfire that broke out in southwestern Albania on 5 August 2026 forced the evacuation of dozens of residents from villages at the edge of the flames, authorities said. The blaze affected the village of Prodonia in Selenica municipality and also spread to areas near Riban in the Mallakastër region, threatening homes and prompting urgent removals.

Police, the army and firefighting teams evacuated 15 families, bringing out their livestock and household pets. Teams worked to pull people and animals to safety while trying to stop the fire from moving into populated areas.

Challenging conditions slowed ground crews

Strong winds and difficult, inaccessible terrain limited the ability of fire trucks to reach the front lines. Crews were forced to fight the fire by hand in many places and relied on air support to slow the blaze's advance toward settlements.

The fire consumed forested areas and was reported to be moving toward the border zone between the Vlorë and Fier regions, increasing concern for nearby villages and infrastructure.

In a post on social media, the Police of Albania wrote: "The Police of Albania has evacuated 15 families after a massive fire engulfed large areas of land in the village of Riban in Mallakastër. Because the flames spread toward inhabited areas, Police services evacuated 15 families, as well as livestock, with the aim of guaranteeing..."

The outbreak is part of a wider pattern of wildfires across the region this summer, with major fires also recorded in France, Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Photo: press material from the event