"Ertaraktori" deployed to fight blaze near Sopište
Aerial firefighting units from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue were deployed after crews contained flames above the village of Chiflik.
Airborne units described locally as "Ertaraktori" from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS) were activated to help extinguish a wildfire burning on the slopes behind Vodno, on the territory of Sopište municipality.
According to DZS, the fire is located on the southern side of the mountain. Earlier flames that developed above the village of Chiflik have been brought under control and crews established a containment line to protect the surrounding forest.
Steep terrain forces aerial support
Mayor Jane Micevski said a small active section remains outside the village toward Vodno and that "the firefighting will have to be carried out from the air, because the terrain is steep."
Ground crews battling the blaze include Skopje firefighters working together with DZS teams, volunteer fire societies and local residents. Authorities reported that buildings in Chiflik are not in danger.
Operations continue as crews monitor flare-ups and the aerial assets make repeated passes to hit the most inaccessible slopes.
Photo: press material from the event
