Wildfire near Albanian capital forces evacuations, arrests made
A wildfire near Albania's capital spread overnight, forcing evacuations and leading to one arrest.
A large wildfire burning on Mount Kruje in Albania has spread overnight, forcing authorities to evacuate residents from nearby villages. The blaze, located roughly 38 kilometers north of the capital Tirana, has been burning since Saturday afternoon.
Firefighting efforts continued through the night, with ground crews supported by three military helicopters. The steep terrain has made access difficult, complicating efforts to bring the fire under control.
Authorities evacuated residents from the Barabit-Lluban area in the municipality of Kruje after the fire moved toward populated zones. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari urged residents to cooperate with police and evacuate their homes, citing the safety of families and emergency personnel.
Police have arrested a man suspected of accidentally starting the fire. According to authorities, the suspect allegedly set fire to dry grass near his home on Saturday, and the flames spread rapidly due to strong winds, eventually reaching Mount Kruje and threatening nearby communities.
Daylight footage shows smoke shrouding the mountain, charred trees, and helicopters dropping water on the affected areas. Aerial shots reveal the extent of the damage across the region.