The fire situation in the territory of the village of Gojan i Madh in Puka has deteriorated significantly, posing a direct danger to residents. For this reason, the Mayor of Puka, Rrok Dodaj, has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents of the area. Residents will be evacuated in a coordinated manner by emergency structures, the Police, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and local authorities. Priority in evacuation is given to children, the elderly, people with disabilities and families in the most endangered areas.
Five firefighting vehicles with 19 personnel from the Pukë and Fushë-Arrëz Fire Departments, 10 Forest Service employees, 40 municipal forces and 30 volunteers have been deployed on the ground. The operation is also supported by 40 personnel from the Armed Forces, one firefighting vehicle and three AF helicopters. Aerial intervention is currently ongoing with helicopters, while forces on the ground are working to isolate and extinguish the fires.
Mayor’s announcement:
In accordance with: Law No. 45/2019 “On Civil Protection”; the National Civil Emergency Plan; and the Local Civil Emergency Plan of the Municipality of Puka, as a result of the critical situation created by the spread of a massive fire in the territory of the village of Gojan i Madh, Gjegjan Administrative Unit, and the direct danger to the lives and property of the residents, the immediate evacuation of the residents of this area is ordered.
The evacuation will be carried out in full coordination with:
National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC);
Prefect of Shkodra District;
Civil Emergency Structures of the Municipality of Puka;
State Police (Puka Police Commissariat);
Fire Protection and Rescue Service (MDSH Puka).
According to the legislation in force, the Mayor is the authority responsible for ordering evacuation in the territory of the municipality. In any case, communication and requests for assistance should be directed to the public authorities on the ground and the Civil Emergency Headquarters.
Priorities in the evacuation process are:
Children and infants;
The elderly and people with chronic diseases;
Persons with disabilities;
Families remaining in isolated areas or areas with high risk of being engulfed by flames.
Set-up and Accommodation:
All evacuated residents from the village of Gojan i Madh will be accommodated in the prepared facilities of the “Ali Bytyçi” Dormitory in Puka, where measures have been taken for safe housing, food and medical services.
Transportation for the evacuation of residents will be provided by:
Logistical means of the Municipality of Puka;
Fire Protection and Rescue Service (MDSH Puka);
State Police;
Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania (if additional support is required).
The management of the shelter of evacuees and assistance to citizens will be carried out by the Municipality of Puka, in cooperation with:
State Police;
Puka Health Care Unit and Regional Hospital;
Albanian Red Cross and partner humanitarian aid organizations.
As part of this process, the following will be ensured:
Complete registration of evacuees upon arrival at the temporary shelter facilities at the “Ali Bytyçi” Dormitory;
Administration and fulfillment of basic needs, including food, clothing, hygiene and first aid/medical care;
Providing periodic information on the status of the fire situation and the following measures for safe return to residences.
This order is urgent and comes into effect immediately!
MAYOR OF PUKA MUNICIPALITY
The letter DODAJ