Fire put out above Tetovo Orthodox cemetery; authorities say major disaster averted
Fire crews and a police helicopter extinguished a blaze near houses above Tetovo's Orthodox cemetery; the helicopter made nine water drops.
A fast-moving fire that broke out above the Orthodox cemetery in Tetovo this morning has been brought under full control after intervention by local firefighters and a police helicopter.
According to the director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Stojanche Angelov, the blaze started at about 11:00 a.m. and spread toward a nearby wooded area below Tetovo's Kale fortress, reaching the space between several houses.
Firefighting operation and damage
Tetovo fire crews fought the flames on the ground while a police helicopter made nine water drops on the burning area. Authorities say the combined effort succeeded in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to homes.
"This fire had the potential to cause major damage because there are many houses nearby, and the area is densely populated from what I can see," Angelov said, describing the risk posed by the blaze.
One resident living close to the scene told reporters the fire started during children's play, when a spark suddenly appeared and the flames quickly caught nearby foam mattresses.
Emergency services remain on site for checks, but officials report there are no immediate reports of injuries.
Photo: Printskrin
