Angelov: Fire intensity remains high — group deliberately rekindling blaze near Kitka

The intensity of open-space fires has not eased, the director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue said, reporting that yesterday there were a total of 31 fires — almost all caused by people, mostly accidentally through negligence, while a certain number were set intentionally.

Stojanche Angelov warned that authorities are working to identify arsonists and urged citizens to report any suspicious behaviour. He singled out the area at the foot of Mount Kitka, beyond Dracevo in the municipality of Studenichani, saying there are indications that a group is deliberately relighting the blaze there on a daily basis while crews try to extinguish it.

Operations and progress

“During today we are operating with the Directorate's air-tractors and with the police helicopter. Significant progress has been made on several fronts; at this moment no village located along the fire line is endangered,” Angelov said.

Firefighters managed late last night to bring under control — and shortly afterwards fully extinguish — a large and complex fire that broke out yesterday in the fields around the villages of Dolno and Gorno Chichevo. That blaze mainly consumed dry grass, bushes and thorny scrub.

There is also an active fire at the Kavadarci landfill. Fire crews are working on site and two BTRs from the Directorate are available to assist with cooling operations if needed.

Local official Janchev has expressed suspicion that the Kavadarci landfill fire was set deliberately, calling it “an attack on the city.” Authorities say investigations continue and reiterated the appeal for residents to report any unusual activity near fire lines.

Photo: Fejsbuk