Albania Wildfire

In August 2025, Albania was hit by a devastating wave of wildfires that swept through multiple regions, driven by extreme heat and dry winds. The fires began intensifying around August 12, with 37 separate blazes reported in a single day. One elderly man tragically lost his life after accidentally starting a fire in his yard, and at least eight others were injured. Villages in Elbasan, Berat, and Vlorë were particularly affected, prompting urgent evacuations and widespread disruption. Local authorities struggled to contain the fires as flames approached residential areas, damaging homes and agricultural land.

Due to the overwhelming scale of the disaster, Albania received international assistance to support its firefighting efforts. The United Arab Emirates dispatched a specialized emergency team, including helicopters and fire suppression equipment. Additional aid came from Greece, Czechia, and Slovakia. The fires were further complicated by a broader regional heatwave affecting southern Europe, which fueled rapid fire spread across forests and hillsides. Emergency crews battled not only flames but also poor visibility, mountainous terrain, and limited water access in rural areas.

These August wildfires followed earlier fires in July that had already strained the country’s resources. In late July, more than 2,000 people were evacuated from areas near Delvinë after a major blaze damaged homes and a church. In early July, another fire broke out in Finiq, reportedly caused by a pine tree falling onto power lines. These repeated incidents highlight Albania’s growing vulnerability to climate change, with hotter summers and longer dry periods increasing the risk of wildfires. As the country recovers, authorities are reviewing response protocols and exploring cross-border cooperation to strengthen future disaster preparedness.