SKOPJE

Wildfires in Albania killed an elderly man and injured eight others, forcing people to evacuate to safety in several villages across the country, officials said on Tuesday.

Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu said in a social media post that 37 forest fires have been reported nationwide in the past 24 hours, with 30 still burning.

Villages in the provinces of Elbasan, Vlora, and Berat have been evacuated as a precaution, Vengu said, urging residents to cooperate with officials, avoid affected areas, and immediately report any new blazes.

The national police said a fire in the Elbasan district’s Gramsh area started when an 80-year-old man lit a blaze in his yard that spread out of control to nearby villages. The man is believed to have died from smoke inhalation.

Local media reported that eight people have been injured.

Albania is receiving support from the United Arab Emirates, Czechia, Slovakia, and Greece in its firefighting efforts.