A large-scale fire has engulfed Mount Shengjin, causing significant damage to forest areas, while police have arrested a 57-year-old man in flagrante delicto as the suspected perpetrator of the incident.

According to the Lezha Police, citizen Bashkim Aliaj is suspected of having started a fire to burn waste near his commercial entity on July 03rd, in the area called "Sagë". The flames got out of control and spread rapidly into the forest massif of Mount Shëngjin.

During the spread of the fire, an explosion was also recorded on the ground, suspected to be the result of the activation of an unexploded shell, which exploded due to high temperatures. As a result, a 30-year-old AU citizen who was in a moving vehicle in the area was slightly injured. He received medical assistance and is out of danger.

The investigation also revealed that the suspect's DVR was removed from the suspect's premises, an action that is suspected of being carried out to obstruct the investigation.

At the conclusion of the procedural actions, the police have arrested the 57-year-old, who is accused of several criminal offenses, including "Negligent destruction of property", "Negligent destruction of forests and forest environment by fire", "Actions that hinder the discovery of the truth" and "Negligent injury".

Police announcement:

He set fire to the garbage and attempted to hide the evidence, after the fire engulfed a large area of ​​forest.
on the mountain of Shengjin,
Thanks to the quick response and actions, the suspected arsonist was identified and arrested.

Following the investigative actions to clarify the circumstances of the fire that broke out in the Shëngjin area, crime investigation specialists at the Lezha Police Commissariat arrested a 57-year-old citizen in flagrante delicto.

This citizen is suspected of having started a fire on 03.07.2026, in a place called "Sagë", Shëngjin, to burn some waste near his commercial entity, but the fire got out of control, including and burning a large forest area on the Shëngjin mountain.

Also, during the spread of the flames, an explosion occurred on the ground, suspected to be caused by an unexploded warhead, which exploded as a result of the fire in the mountainous area. As a result, a 30-year-old AU citizen, who was a passenger in a vehicle that was moving in the area, was injured. He received immediate medical attention and is in good health.

During the examination of the scene, it emerged that the suspect removed the subject's DVR, with the aim of preventing the discovery of the truth.

At the conclusion of the procedural actions, citizen BA, 57 years old, resident of Shëngjin, was arrested for the criminal offenses of "Negligent destruction of property", "Actions that hinder the discovery of the truth", "Negligent destruction of forests and forest environment by fire" and "Negligent injury".

The Lezha Local Police Directorate appeals for maximum caution from citizens, inviting them not to take actions that could cause arson, as they will face the law.

It also invites citizens to report any case of illegality to the number 112, guaranteeing anonymity and immediate response.