DZS: Bitola fire team continued extinguishing blaze near Selce and Lokov
Stojanche Angelov says the volunteer team was engaged yesterday afternoon and resumed work early today; demolition by the bridge begins today.
Published: 05 September, 2026 12:04 — A specialised fire team from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS), made up of volunteer firefighters from Bitola, was deployed yesterday afternoon to fight a wildfire burning in the area between Selce and Lokov, on the municipal border of Struga and Debar.
Operational update and next steps
Stojanche Angelov, director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue and head of the Main Crisis Management Headquarters, said the Bitola team remained on the scene and continued operations early this morning. He told reporters that he expects the team's task to be completed during the day.
Alongside the Bitola volunteers, crews from the Struga and Debar municipal fire services have been involved in the suppression effort. Angelov also expressed gratitude to the Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVR) for its participation over the past days.
Authorities announced that, starting today, demolition of structures and clearing of the route near the "General Mihajlo Apostoloski" bridge will begin to allow restoration and safe access in the affected zone.
Local officials continue to monitor the perimeter for hotspots and to assess any damage to infrastructure and forested areas. Firefighting teams remain on alert in case of new flare-ups while cleanup and recovery operations are organised.
Photo: press material from the event
