Wildfires rage across Albania; President Begaj demands harsh punishment for arsonists
Defence Ministry reports nine active blazes and some 450 personnel deployed, with roughly 200 concentrated in Lura near Debar.
Wildfires continue to burn across Albania, the Ministry of Defence said, with nine active hotspots reported in the regions of Debar, Tirana, Durrës, Korçë and Gjirokastër. Authorities say roughly 450 personnel are currently deployed to fight the blazes and contain active fronts.
Most resources are concentrated around the Lura area in the Debar region, where about 200 people are engaged in suppression work as crews try to bring the fire under control. Officials stress that teams remain active at multiple locations and that work to coordinate operations in affected zones is ongoing.
Warnings from the field and social media
A Weather Monitor post, published on August 12, 2026, warned that "A large wildfire in Daias, Tirana, Albania, today has intensified and shifted direction due to strong winds, putting firefighters in serious danger." The message accompanied footage showing flames driven by gusting winds.
There is not yet a final assessment of material damage from the fires. Emergency services continue to prioritise the protection of lives, homes and infrastructure while trying to limit the spread of flames into populated or valuable natural areas.
President Bajram Begaj publicly thanked firefighters, members of the armed forces and all those combating the blazes, and urged that anyone who sets fires be punished severely. Begaj posted a message on Facebook stating: "In these days of high temperatures, when fires have broken out in several places across the country, firefighters, members of the armed forces and all those who fight the flames deserve our gratitude. With courage, dedication and self-sacrifice, they protect our lives, families, homes and property. Respect to every firefighter and serviceman who faces danger on the front line. Perpetrators who set the land on fire must be strictly punished in accordance with the law. In such a situation, each of us has an obligation: to be careful, to follow the instructions of the authorities, not to endanger our own life and to make our contribution to the protection of the community, property and nature. Today Albania needs the solidarity and responsibility of everyone," Begaj said.
Separately, authorities reported a van with Macedonian licence plates carrying chickens caught fire in Albania. Officials continue to urge citizens to follow safety instructions, act responsibly and support firefighting efforts while investigations into causes — including possible arson — remain under way.
Photo: Принтскрин / Икс/@WeatherMonitors
