August has started with high temperatures and the return of fires in several areas of the country. In the first 10 days of the month alone, 176 fires were recorded, according to data from the National Civil Protection Agency.
Over the past few hours, 10 fires have been reported, of which 5 remain active and 4 are under monitoring.
In Dajt, the area is being monitored, while in Cikallesh, Kavaja municipality, the fire has been completely extinguished. In Priskë e Madhe, work continues with 4 firefighting vehicles, 15 MZSH personnel and the support of an Air Force helicopter. No danger to residential areas is reported. In Mallakastër, the fires in Riban–Ngraçan–Panahor–Çyçe have been completely extinguished and are being monitored. The fire in Drenie, Patos municipality, has also been completely brought under control and monitoring continues.
In Vilëz, Kurbin municipality, the intervention of local forces and 35 members of the Armed Forces made it possible to completely extinguish the fire at 1:00 PM.
The hotbeds on Mount Nemëçka, in the municipality of Përmet, and in Goraj–Budishë, in the municipality of Malësi e Madhe, also remain active. Both are located in difficult terrain and at high altitudes, but currently do not pose a threat to inhabited areas.
In Kruja, the fire in Abazë continues to be active, but without danger to residential areas. In Krastë, the fire has increased in intensity and has spread to the forest massif. Local forces, 50 members of the Armed Forces and an Air Force helicopter are operating on the ground.
The situation in Kruja comes just hours after a powerful fire over the weekend, which showed how quickly a fire that started near homes can turn into a threat to the community. The fire spread rapidly on the Kruja mountain, endangering residential areas, while due to the flames approaching homes, a partial evacuation of residents was also carried out.
According to the State Police, the cause of the fire is suspected to have been the burning of grass near the apartment by a 73-year-old man. Police stated that the suspect had started a fire to burn a quantity of grass, but the flames got out of control and, aided by the wind, spread towards the Kruja mountain.
The law prohibits burning from April to November.
Since July 2023, the Agricultural Land Protection Law prohibits the lighting of fires on agricultural lands and, in particular, the burning of straw, agricultural waste, grass, thorns or bushes that can cause fires to spread.
Article 16/1 stipulates that this activity is prohibited from April 1 to November 30 of each year.
Even during the rest of the year, burning can be done under certain conditions. The law requires permission from the local self-government unit and civil protection services, while setting a number of restrictions on the place and method of burning.
It prohibits, among other things, lighting fires in protected and tourist areas, near road axes, forest areas, gas stations, villages and homes. The law also prohibits burning on days when the wind blows at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour, even if the relevant permits have been obtained.
Many proceedings, few convicted
In Albania, deliberate arson is a criminal offense and is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. But data shows that punishment for environmental crimes remains low. In 2025, 38 proceedings were registered for “destruction of forests and forest environment by fire”, but only one person was convicted.
Even when cases do go to court, prison sentences are often suspended. In 2025, prosecutors requested prison sentences in 82.98% of cases, but in 74.36% of them they also requested suspended sentences and probation. Courts imposed prison sentences in 81.58% of cases, but in 93.55% of them the sentences were suspended and the defendants were placed on probation. In 13.46% of cases there was an acquittal.
cONcluSiON
The Kruja case clearly shows the gap between the law and its implementation. According to the Police, the fire started from burning grass, an act prohibited by law. The flames spread towards the mountain and hundreds of officers, firefighters, vehicles and helicopters were deployed to extinguish them.
As long as the ban is not respected and punishment remains limited, fires continue to become a danger to forests, homes and people every summer. /Taken from Faktoje.al
