Belgium supports Albania in firefighting efforts

Under the coordination of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, two multifunctional military aircraft from Romania have arrived in Albania to assist in combating severe wildfires. Each aircraft has a water capacity of 6.0 tons and is set to be deployed today to support local firefighting teams. The European Commission is actively monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide additional assistance if necessary. Albania is currently facing a challenging fire situation exacerbated by high summer temperatures, which have threatened homes and protected areas. Firefighting efforts have been concentrated in regions such as Selenicë, Finiq, and Delvinë, as well as in the national park of Tomor. Civil emergency and army troops have been engaged for several days to control the flames while also addressing smaller fire incidents across the country. In response to the escalating fire risks, Albanian authorities have intensified measures against intentional arson and are urging citizens to exercise caution. The country’s Civil Emergencies reported that in the last 24 hours, 23 fire hotspots have been extinguished, although 12 remain active, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by firefighting teams. As the situation develops, the collaboration between Albania and the EU underscores the importance of international support in addressing natural disasters and protecting vulnerable communities.