Center for Crisis Management: All available state resources deployed to fight Kitka wildfire

The Center for Crisis Management (CCM) says all available state resources are currently engaged in fighting the wildfire on Mount Kitka. CCM director Muhamed Ali confirmed that three aircraft from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue are operating on the fire, joined by crews from the Skopje Fire Brigade and teams from the Public Enterprise National Forests.

"Our priority is to protect Mount Kitka and to prevent the fire from spreading towards settlements," Ali said.

Deputy director of Public Enterprise National Forests, Kire Mihailov, told journalists that the blaze, which has been burning for about ten days, appears to be started deliberately and that new hotspots have been appearing almost daily. According to Mihailov, the apparent intent of the arsonists is to create a wide frontal line of fire.

Operational challenges and priorities

Officials said the response combines aerial and ground efforts: the three firefighting planes carry out drops to slow the front while ground teams focus on containment lines and protection of inhabited areas. Teams from National Forests are working to reduce fuel and cut access for the advancing fire.

Authorities warned that difficult terrain and the emergence of new ignition points complicate suppression work and require continuous monitoring and redeployment of resources. No official evacuation orders were announced at the time of the statement.

CCM and partner services said they will remain on the scene until the situation is under control and urged citizens to report new fires or suspicious activity to emergency services.

Photo: Centar za upravuvanje so krizi (CUK)