Ministry of Defence - Republic of Albania

08/03/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2021 13:57

Civil Protection Committee meeting, Peleshi: The situation in Karaburun is serious, we will increase capacities starting tomorrow

Published: Tuesday, 03 August 2021 21:49

The Civil Protection Committee discussed the situation created in recent days by fires in some areas of the country. Defence Minister Niko Peleshi assessed the situation on the Karaburun Peninsula as serious, where the hearth has reached dangerous proportions, helped also by the wind, which affects the spread of the flames.
Defence Minister said that the work done to prevent the fires to spread into the Pashaliman Base has been a success, while work is being done to extinguish the hearth on Dukat Mountain, to prevent the flames from passing into Llogara Park.

At a time when the whole region is involved in a difficult situation due to high temperatures, Defense Minister Peleshi said that this makes it difficult for Albania to receive assistance from its partners.

The Director of the Civil Protection Agency Haki Çako, demanded the maximization of inter-institutional cooperation for this situation. Mr. Çako informed that currently there are 3 active fires in the country. He asked the Police to bring to justice the persons, some of whom have been identified as perpetrators of the arson. Two fires, one in Vau i Dejës and one in the village of Palokastër in the Gjirokastra region have been brought under control. While the fires in Fier, Ksamil, Mamurras, and Përmet have been extinguished.

The Civil Protection Agency has also contacted the General Directorate of Civil Emergencies in Brussels, while the Defence Minister Niko Peleshi had a phone conversation with counterparts in Croatia and Kosovo, who have expressed readiness to help in case of need, depending on their internal situations. Contacts have also been made with the Italian government. From Tuesday, three helicopters will be available, which will intervene to extinguish the fires, especially in Karaburun.
The Civil Protection Committee approved the authorization of the Civil Protection Agency of the Ministry of Defense to use additional capacities and funds, in case of emergency, beyond those available, including cooperation with private entities or from abroad.