Mass fires in Albania, burning olive plantations

The warm Cerberus wave, extended in southern Europe, has included Albania for two weeks. It reached its peak Tuesday (25.07) when the heat rose to 43 degrees Celsius, causing new fires. Official sources from the Civil Emergency Agency suggest there is considerable material damage, but fortunately there are no victims.

Authorities have called on citizens to report earlier small flares to avoid spreading. Fires have spread to Gjirokastra, Memalaj, Vlora, Tepelene, Tirana. Olive plantations have been burned in Vlora. The situation is problematic in forest areas, in some villages around Fier, where fire is at risk of getting out of control.

Armed Forces Engaged

Defence Minister Niko Peleshi announced the commitment of the Cougar Armed Forces and helicopters to bring the situation under control, especially in the conditions when the strong wind reactivates the extinct hearths and opens new fires at risk of areas inhabited by the arrival of the flames.

Chronic Fires in Albania

Albania is included in chronic fires even when this year's extraordinary Cerberus wave has not been present in summer season. Two years ago, the flames spread from north to south, causing 163 aggressive and intense firebeds. In conditions of modest capacities, Albania was supported by the EU, which activated the Civil Protection Mechanism. Powerful fire helicopters and 50 military efficiency, specialising in the area of civilian emergencies, contributed to the difficult situation.

The EU activated this mechanism even in the summer of 2017, when it strongly supported Albania with fire aircraft and Copernicus satellite maps to identify the fires and opportunities to extinguish them.

Purposeful Fires, Arson Investigations

The difficult situation, facing Albania from chronic fires in summer season, is caused not only by high temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius but also by deliberate firemen. In Vlora's district, the prosecution has launched investigations into the mass fire that included last month the site of the collection of urban waste for two days straight. The opposition has named the fire in this country” environmental crime with serious consequences”. She has made the government responsible for “irresponsability and negligence in managing the situation.” / DW