A massive fire destroyed two main warehouses in the former Dinamo Factory market in Tirana on Thursday afternoon. The situation was only brought under control today, drawing attention to the insecurity of commercial buildings.
Warehouses A and B stored clothes and stock materials for dozens of small businesses.
Police and fire brigade forces surrounded the area and prevented citizens from approaching on Friday morning. In parallel, damaged merchants tried to salvage goods that had not been affected by the flames and smoke.
Some blamed the authorities for negligence and logistical shortcomings, while a trader even clashed with the market manager, leading to police intervention.
The warehouse structure was almost completely destroyed, leaving only ash and metal skeletons. Authorities reported no injuries.
The Prefect of Tirana, Afrim Qëndro, stated that the burnt materials were mainly clothes and plastic items. According to him, these favored the rapid spread of the flames.
He explained that no hazardous materials were found in the area. However, police evacuated surrounding businesses and residents for safety reasons.
According to the affected merchants, the premises were not secured and had no fire protection.
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the case as a serious blow to small businesses and dozens of families who made a living from these businesses.
According to her, the destruction of around 50 commercial units highlights the lack of insurance and the need for better risk management, in line with the standards of the European Union where Albania aims to integrate.
So far, authorities suspect that the fire started from an electrical spark inside one of the warehouses, but it will be concrete investigations that will determine the exact cause after the flames are completely extinguished.
Construction pressure and doubts about new projects
In the last ten years, the area of the former Dinamo Factory and "5 Maji" street have been put under constant pressure from construction.
At least two residential complexes have been built near the market site. The fire in the two main warehouses has sparked suspicions among traders and residents that the area could be used for another construction project.
Authorities have not publicly responded to these allegations.
The "Dinamo" mechanical plant was built in 1962. Initially, it produced various spare parts, but later turned into a specialized plant for machinery for the food, energy, mining, and construction industries.
But after the construction of the New Dinamo Factory in the area near the "Tirana River", some of the employees were transferred there and the factory was degraded. During the transition, it turned into a food market and then a clothing and household appliance market.
Erblin Vukaj has completed his studies in “Communication Sciences” and further mastered (MSc) in “European and International Journalism” at the University of Tirana. Since 2012, Vukaj has been working as a professional journalist, gaining experience in online media, print media, radio and television. He has covered various issues such as current affairs, health, environment and sports. In parallel, he has led and been involved in several research projects on the communist past in Albania.
