Large fire near Gradsko — air tractors from Kitka redirected and police helicopter joins the fight

A large wildfire erupted today in the municipality of Gradsko and spread rapidly, prompting aerial firefighting resources to be redirected from a separate blaze on Mount Kitka, authorities said.

Firefighters, a police helicopter and local farmers respond

According to Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the fire started at about 11:00 in the area between the villages of Gorno Chichevo and Dolno Chichevo. "Around 11 o'clock a heavy fire broke out on the territory of the municipality of Gradsko, in the area between the villages of Gorno Chichevo and Dolno Chichevo. The fire most likely started from stubble, but because of the tall dry grass and the wind that blows here, it spread very quickly, endangering both villages. The mayor of the municipality of Gradsko called me urgently, requesting immediate assistance," Angelov said.

Fire brigades from Veles, Negotino and Kavadarci were dispatched immediately, but the crews alone could not stop the fast-moving flames. Angelov ordered the air tractors that had been operating earlier on the large Kitka fire to be sent to Gradsko to help contain the new outbreak.

"I redirected them here; they helped to gain initial control of this fire, and shortly afterwards the police helicopter also began operations. Great thanks to the local population who, with tractors, went out to plough and make fire breaks and thus cut this fire. I hope it will be completely extinguished soon," Angelov added.

Authorities continue firefighting efforts on the ground and from the air. Local officials reported that residents joined the response by creating firebreaks with agricultural tractors and assisting teams in protecting the nearby villages. No official information on casualties or the exact burned area was released immediately.

Photo: Vlatkoto at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)