The exercise simulated a fast-moving, large-scale wildfire sweeping through forests and pastures, placing critical infrastructure, protected areas, and nearby communities at serious risk. This realistic scenario was designed to mirror the kind of challenges faced during actual emergency situations, offering a unique opportunity to put response mechanisms to the test. Participants engaged in a range of critical operations, including coordinated fire suppression, the evacuation and sheltering of residents and livestock, search and rescue missions, and the provision of medical triage and on-site emergency care for simulated casualties. Every element was crafted to reflect the complexity and urgency of real disasters.

What made this exercise especially significant was the level of coordination it brought. Civil protection authorities from across southern Albania joined forces, including the Prefectures of Gjirokastër and Vlorë, ten municipalities, seven regional agencies, and eleven national institutions. This multi-layered collaboration was essential for building a truly resilient emergency response system. One of the most notable features of the exercise was the first-ever deployment of the Mobile Operational Center, a cutting-edge command unit recently provided by UNDP through the RESEAL Project. Fully equipped for real-time coordination, the Mobile Center serves as the nerve center for operations—enabling faster communication, decision-making, and resource deployment in the field.