Fire at Finiq National Archaeological Park causes no damage to key monuments

The Finiq National Archaeological Park escaped damage following a fire that erupted on August 8, 2024.

Why is it significant

Finiq is one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.  According to Blendi Gonxhja, the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, key historical monuments within the park, including the Roman Public Area, Ancient Theater, Medieval Church, and the House with Two Peristyles, were preserved unharmed.

What happened

The fire, which ignited around noon in Delvinë and Finiq, was swiftly brought under control by evening. Preliminary reports at 6:00 PM indicated that the blaze started in the northwest part of the park, near the access road from Blerimas. The fire initially spread from olive groves and residential areas, moving eastward across the park’s hillside. Strong winds caused the flames to shift northeast, affecting the northern slopes of the park and extending southwest, where they scorched surrounding vegetation and parts of the road connecting the water depot to the ticket office.

A proactive strategy involving a cleared perimeter of vegetation implemented by park staff and the park’s internal pathways, which are devoid of vegetation, played a crucial role in halting the fire’s progression towards the monuments. Currently, no active fires are present within the park’s visitable areas, thanks to the combined efforts of aerial and ground firefighting teams, including those from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Vlorë and the park’s own staff.

The only remaining active fire is located at the park’s northern edge, near the villages of Blerimas and Buronjë. This area, which does not contain any significant monuments, is being managed by both aerial and ground firefighting units.