A devastating forest fire that broke out on August 12 in the southern Albanian village of Lekël has destroyed the historic Orthodox Church of Saint Elijah and caused the detonation of two unexploded World War II-era bombs, authorities confirmed.

According to Gazeta Express, the blaze swept through several hectares of forest and farmland, damaging homes, killing livestock, and prompting an emergency evacuation of residents from the villages of Lekël and Hormovë due to the rapid spread of the flames.

Among the most significant cultural losses was the destruction of the Church of Saint Elijah, a stone structure built around 1800 by military commander Thanas Vajia, who served under the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelena. The church, designated a cultural monument, was regarded as a vital part of the region’s spiritual and historical heritage.

The situation worsened when two dormant World War II bombs buried in the area exploded amid the fire, severely complicating efforts by firefighters and emergency crews to control the blaze. No casualties from the explosions were reported, but the risk of additional unexploded ordnance remains a concern.

This fire is part of a wave of wildfires that have swept across Albania and much of the Balkans this summer, fueled by record-high temperatures, prolonged drought, and strong winds. More than 30,000 hectares of forest and farmland have burned across the country.

In response to the escalating crisis, Albanian authorities have deployed military personnel and volunteers, while receiving international assistance, including firefighting teams from the United Arab Emirates.

Officials warn that the threat of further fires remains high as dry conditions persist, and cultural heritage experts have called for urgent action to protect other vulnerable historical and religious sites across the region.