The government will offer a support package to residents of areas affected by the fires, to compensate for damage caused to housing, agriculture or livestock.
Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, during a coordination meeting, where the Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj and the Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency Haki Çako were also present, said that at the center of the discussions were: "the assessment of operational readiness for Civil Emergencies and the assessment of the damages and the response that the affected residents should receive, especially in the livestock sector."
Minister Vengu said: "During the month of July we had 59 massive fires and a multitude of smaller fires in residential or rural areas. In total, over 29 thousand hectares of land burned."
"It turns out that the most affected regions are: Vlora with 17,500 ha, followed by Dibra with 4,524 ha, Tirana 2,400 ha and Berat 1,500 ha. Despite the fact that in the past we may have had years with more burned areas, the historical record for Albania is in 2007 with 127 thousand hectares burned. Until 2024, the summer seasons had 6 fires per week, while this year there have been 13 fires per week", said Minister Vengu.
Minister Vengu announced that a total of 14,200 forces, 2,000 specialized vehicles and 63 air operations have been engaged in firefighting operations across the country, involving 4 helicopters from the Albanian forces, two from the Hungarian forces, two Canadairs from Italy, two from Greece and one from Croatia: "There have never been so many air vehicles available and we will continue to invest in the renewal of the Land and Air Fleet. Casualties and other damages have been avoided. 12 homes, 3 stables, a religious building and an energy substation have been affected," the Minister of Defense explained.
Vengu said that municipalities affected by the consequences of the fires in the country should proceed as soon as possible with the assessment of the damages.
For her part, Minister of Agriculture Anila Denaj said: "The fires have caused damage mainly in the southern area of the country, in Delvina, in livestock, beekeeping, but also in pastures, while we are assessing the need for food for livestock in all areas affected by the fires."
The Minister announced that the supply of food for livestock in the area affected by the fires has been made possible in record time.
Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha said that the State Police have identified and prosecuted 120 people as suspects of intentional or negligent arson. According to the minister, 21 people have been arrested.
The ministers said that August will also be difficult, so they called for vigilance and immediate response from the structures. (A2 Televizion)
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