The Minister of Internal Affairs, Besfort Lamallari, has called on citizens to show maximum care and responsibility for fire prevention, emphasizing that any fire caused by man endangers the lives of citizens, property, forests and natural resources, and constitutes a criminal offense punishable by severe measures. Through a post on social networks, Minister Lamallari underlined that protecting the country from fires is a shared responsibility.

"Caution! Arson is not negligence, but a crime punishable by imprisonment. Every fire caused by man is a threat to life, property, forests and the common good. More civic responsibility and readiness are required to protect every citizen and avoid catastrophe," said Minister Lamallari.

The Minister recalled that with the latest changes to the Criminal Code, the penalties for arson have been significantly toughened, depending on the circumstances and consequences of the criminal offense.

Intentional arson is punishable by imprisonment of 5 to 8 years when committed during the hot season, in conditions that favor the spread of fire or near residential areas; from 4 to 10 years when it affects protected areas, cultural heritage sites, cult sites, cultural monuments or critical infrastructure; while the punishment reaches from 7 to 15 years in prison when the arson is committed with the aim of changing the category or destination of the land.

In his message, Minister Lamallari emphasized that behind every fire lies a huge human and material cost. “A carelessness or a deliberate act mobilizes hundreds of people, dozens of vehicles and helicopters to protect life, homes and nature. Every fire leaves behind losses for nature, the community and future generations. Protecting Albania from fires begins with the responsibility of each of us,” emphasized the Minister of Internal Affairs. The appeal goes out to the cooperation of citizens in respecting the rules for fire prevention, and every case of arson will be treated with zero tolerance.