The fire extinguishing operation in Shkopet continues / Kurti: We aim for isolation during today

2025-07-20 12:40:00, Aktualitet CNA

The fire extinguishing operation in Shkopet continues / Kurti: We aim for

The operation to extinguish the fire that has engulfed a forest area with pine and oak trees in the village of Shkopet, in Kurbini, has been ongoing for more than 14 hours. The flames appeared on Saturday evening in a Natural Protected Area, causing a risk of further spread, while work was carried out until late in the evening to bring the fire under control.

Meanwhile, since 06:00 on Sunday morning, ground forces have intensified their work to isolate and extinguish the active fires, intervening in a concentrated manner on both sides of the fire and opening protective corridors between the affected and unaffected areas. Due to the proximity to homes and businesses along the Milot-Burrel national road, firefighting vehicles have been positioned on this axis to protect endangered objects.

The fire extinguishing operation in Shkopet continues / Kurti: We aim for

Eduart Kurti, deputy mayor of Kurbin Municipality, also spoke about the situation:

"We are located in the village of Shkopet. Last night at around 19:26 we received notification of a fire in the forest massif. The mayor, together with the prefect and about 50 officers, took measures together with firefighters, who came to our aid from firefighters from Lezha, Mirdita, Kruja and Mat. The army also helped us extinguish the fire with a vehicle. Today, with the arrival of 30 soldiers from the Tirana division, who are currently helping to isolate several fires. We are on the way to bringing the fires under control."

The following are involved in the operation:

About 50 municipal forces of Kurbin Municipality, led by the deputy mayor;
30 troops of the Armed Forces and 2 military police officers, with 4 vehicles and 1 escort vehicle;
3 firefighting vehicles (from Kurbin, Mat and a truck from Mirdita);
3 representatives of AdZM;
Structures of the Northern Regional Directorate of AKMC and the Institution of the Prefect of Lezha District.
Field efforts are focusing on the complete combing of the burned area and the elimination of still burning logs and stumps, to avoid rekindling the fires. / CNA