The Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, held an event at the Farka Air Base dedicated to strengthening Civil Protection system capacities ahead of the wildfire season. The event was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo, Deputy Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari, Deputy Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, municipal leaders, representatives of the Armed Forces and the National Civil Protection Agency, as well as partners from the organization Firefighters Without Borders Canada.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, emphasized that climate change and the heightened risk of wildfires require a new approach grounded in prevention, preparedness, and inter-institutional coordination. Challenging times reveal the strength of institutions: the ability to respond and, above all, to prepare.

Modern civil protection relies on prevention, preparedness, and coordination.

It was emphasized that recent developments in Europe clearly show that wildfires are no longer isolated phenomena, but the consequence of a new climate reality requiring better-prepared institutions and stronger cooperation among all responsible bodies.

Turning to the role of local government, the Fire and Rescue Service is the responsibility of municipalities, and firefighters constitute the first line of response in the field. Investing in capacity, training, logistics, and coordination translates directly into greater safety for citizens.

Recognition was also given to the contribution of the organization Firefighters Without Borders Canada regarding training and the exchange of professional expertise, as well as the provision of equipment that enhances the municipalities’ operational readiness.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Edi Rama noted that the wildfire situation in France and Spain clearly illustrates the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing that the question is no longer whether such situations could occur in Albania, but rather how prepared we are to face them.

It was highlighted that the government has worked to strengthen coordination between central and local authorities, enhance technological capabilities, and modernize the civil protection system, placing the personnel serving daily in the field at the heart of this system.

During the event, the provision of equipment to Fire Protection and Rescue Service units was also showcased as part of efforts to boost the operational capacities of municipalities. The importance of cooperation with international partners regarding the professional development of personnel and the improvement of emergency response standards was also emphasized.