A major fire broke out last night in Himara, Albania, and continues to burn out of control; the flames have destroyed several homes, while hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes.

According to reports from Euronews Albania, the fire is being fueled by strong winds and the rugged terrain of the area and has spread to homes and tourist facilities. The flames have reached the vicinity of high-rise hotels, and according to current reports, more than six homes have already been engulfed in flames, with dozens more at risk.

Six homes destroyed in Himarë. #albania #Himarë #Fire pic.twitter.com/FOR5Pl5jHJ

— Euronews Albania (@EuronewsAlbania) September 4, 2026

Tourists gathered on the beach to escape the flames

The spread of the fire also caused panic among visitors to the area. Several tourists moved away from areas considered dangerous and gathered near the sea, at the Himarë pier, to protect themselves from the advancing flames.

BREAKING: A massive wildfire has erupted in the southern Albanian town of Himarë, with flames advancing toward residential areas amid strong winds. Authorities are urging people in at-risk areas to evacuate immediately #Albania #Wildfires pic.twitter.com/1RM3wP61x8

— Anonymous TV (@YourAnonTV) September 4, 2026

Meanwhile, residents and vacationers began leaving the threatened areas in their vehicles, resulting in heavy traffic on the roads. Authorities urged citizens to follow the instructions of the police, the fire department, and civil defense agencies.

Firefighting efforts are continuing under particularly difficult conditions, with strong gusts of wind hampering the work of firefighters and accelerating the spread of the fire.

Fire in Himarë, tourists gather on the pier to escape the flames pic.twitter.com/ie3tnHsvuz

Advertisement

— Euronews Albania (@EuronewsAlbania) September 4, 2026

More than 300 firefighters from dozens of regions across Albania are participating in the operation, and together with Army and Police personnel, there are nearly 500 uniformed personnel operating at the scene.

The mayor of Himara, Vangelis Tavos, has appealed to residents of the threatened areas to evacuate their homes for safety reasons and to comply with the authorities’ instructions.

So far, there are reports of at least one house destroyed by the fire, while efforts to contain the fire continue.

Source: Proto Thema