“Comment is free, but facts are sacred.” — C. P. Scott, 1921.
Fire at the former Dinamo factory destroys around 50 businesses
Erblin Vukaj · Originally published: 9 January 2026
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A major fire gutted the two main warehouses at the former Dinamo factory market in Tirana on Thursday afternoon. The situation was brought under control only today, drawing renewed attention to the lack of safety in commercial buildings.
Warehouses A and B held clothing and stock for dozens of small businesses.
Police and firefighters cordoned off the area and stopped people from approaching on Friday morning. Meanwhile, affected traders tried to salvage goods that had escaped the flames and smoke.
Some blamed the authorities for negligence and logistical shortcomings, while one trader also clashed with the market manager, prompting police to intervene.
The warehouse structures were almost entirely destroyed, leaving only ash and metal frames. The authorities reported no injuries.
Tirana Prefect Afrim Qëndro said the burnt materials were mainly clothing and plastic items. According to him, these helped the flames spread rapidly.
He explained that no hazardous materials had been found in the area. Nevertheless, police evacuated surrounding businesses and residents for safety reasons.
According to the affected traders, the premises were uninsured and had no fire protection.
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the incident as a severe blow to small businesses and the dozens of families that depended on them for their livelihoods.
According to the Chamber, 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, which Albania seeks to join.
So far, the authorities suspect the fire began with an electrical spark inside one of the warehouses, but a detailed investigation will establish the exact cause after the flames have been fully extinguished.
Construction pressure and suspicions about new projects
Over the past ten years, the former Dinamo factory area and 5 Maji Street have faced sustained pressure from construction.
At least two residential complexes have been built close to the market grounds. The fire in the two main sheds has fuelled suspicions among traders and residents that the area could be used for another construction project.
The authorities have not publicly responded to these claims.
The Dinamo mechanical engineering factory was built in 1962. It initially produced various spare parts, but later became a factory specialising in machinery for the food, energy, mining and timber industries.
But after the new Dinamo factory was built near the Tirana River, some of the workers were transferred there and the old factory deteriorated. During the transition, it became a food market and later a market for clothing and household appliances.