UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed sent the firefighting team to help Albania’s wildfire fight. world News
In August 2025, in response to an unprecedented wildfire of destruction of large parts of Albania, the United Arab Emirates deployed a special fire fighting team to support local employees in combating the blaze. Arriving on August 11, 2025, the UAE team brought qualified personnel, helicopters, advanced fire fighting equipment and materials to help extinguish fire in severely affected areas including Pettela and Gramsh. These operations follow the instructions to provide immediate climate disaster aid from the Speaker of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Albania faces some of its worst forest fire in the recent history.TL; Dr:
- In August 2025, the UAE sent a special fire fighting team with helicopters and advanced equipment to help in the battle of several large forest fire in Albania.
- Wildfires in Albania, surrounded by a serious heat and strong winds, caused deadly, injuries and withdrawal of many villages.
- Albanian authorities praised UAE’s fast and efficient support, highlighting deep bilateral relations and important international cooperation during the crisis.
Albania forest fire crisis observation
Albania is ending a serious wildfire emergency, reporting at least 37 forests at the peak of outbreak across the country within 24 hours. More than 30 of these fire was active in early August, especially destroying forests in the provinces of Albasana, Vlora and Barat. As a result of wildfires, the death of an elderly person has received tragic consequences including smoke inhalation, eight injuries, and extensive withdrawal of villages to ensure civil security.Local authorities have said that some fire occurred from accidental blasts which quickly increased due to dry condition and strong winds. The southern city of Delvina saw unprecedented fire activity threatening urban areas, inspiring emergency withdrawal and military support to include flames. Albania and neighboring countries intensified the risk of fire and speeding risks.
UAE Firefighting Support Mission
Following the instructions of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a high trained and equipped UAE firefighting team reached Albania on 11 August 2025. Mission made Albanian fire fighting efforts:
- Worthy fire personnel experienced in suppression of complex wildfire.
- Helicopters releasing water and retarded, operating several trimins in affected areas including Petrela and Gramsh.
- Modern fire fighting equipment and materials adapted to handle large -scale wildfire in the challenging area.
Despite the difficult weather and fire conditions, the deployment of the UAE team has been appreciated by Albanian authorities for its quick effect and strategic effectiveness, which demonstrates strong bilateral relations and regional solidarity in the time of environmental crisis.
Regional and international cooperation
Albania has gained fire fighting support from several countries besides the UAE, including the member states of Czechia, Slovakia, Greece and European Union. International aircraft, grassroots teams and coordination centers have been gathered under various outlines such as the Civil Defense Mechanism of the European Union. This multi-national cooperation has been important in managing widespread fire outbreaks and protecting the population and ecological sensitive areas.National Civil Defense Officers in Albania have also accelerated preparations and response, conducting emergency exercises of wildfire on a large scale in 2025 to create readiness for such landscapes. Folting colleague fire efforts show a shared commitment to deal with climate-operated disasters in the Mediterranean region.
