UAE drops 700 Water drops in efforts to extinguish forest fires in Albania

As wildfires continue to devastate regions of the Republic of Albania, the United Arab Emirates has stepped in with an extensive aerial firefighting mission, providing vital assistance to local authorities. The UAE rescue team, operating under the directive of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has significantly scaled up its efforts to contain the fires and prevent further spread.

Mission Scale & Impact

Since the mission’s launch, the UAE rescue team has completed 28 specialised aerial sorties, deploying two Black Hawk helicopters to target critical fire zones. These missions have delivered 700 precise water drops directly onto wildfire hotspots, utilising a total of 1,298 tonnes of water. The aerial strategy has been instrumental in slowing the fires’ spread and protecting vital forested and populated areas.

Operational Challenges

Despite these efforts, the team has been battling extreme environmental conditions. The wildfire-affected zones are experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, adding to the difficulty of managing and extinguishing the flames. Furthermore, the rugged terrain across the fire zones presents significant logistical challenges for aircraft operations and coordination, while multiple simultaneous fire sites require precise and collaborative firefighting tactics.

Areas of Operation

The team has been deployed in key affected regions including the Gramsh forests, Ballolli region, and the Vlorë coastal area. Other undisclosed locations have also seen intervention. These efforts are part of a broader mission aimed at stabilising fire conditions across Albania’s most threatened landscapes.

Leadership & Coordination

The mission reflects the UAE’s commitment to international crisis response and humanitarian support. It has been personally authorised by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, ensuring high-level oversight and diplomatic collaboration. The rescue team maintains constant coordination with Albanian authorities, engaging in daily strategy meetings to update operational plans and improve response efficiency.

Current Status & Forward Planning

While operations are ongoing, significant progress has been made in limiting the wildfire spread. UAE and Albanian teams are now developing strategies to accelerate the mission’s pace, while also maintaining field monitoring of extinguished areas to avoid flare-ups and re-ignitions. The UAE’s intervention continues to be a crucial factor in Albania’s wildfire containment strategy.