"Small, frightened but alive" — firefighters rescue calf from Kitka blaze
A small calf left on burned terrain was rescued by Skopje city firefighters during firefighting operations above Paligrad on Mount Kitka.
Firefighters from the Fire Brigade of the City of Skopje pulled a small calf to safety while battling a large wildfire above the village of Paligrad on Mount Kitka, authorities said.
The Center for Crisis Management reported that the animal was frightened and helpless but was removed from the burning terrain by the crew. The rescue was shared on social media by Center director Muhamed Ali, who also posted a photograph of the rescued animal.
Rescue amid smoke and flames
Ali wrote on Facebook: "Yesterday, while I was at the scene of the large fire above the village of Paligrad on Mount Kitka, alongside the hard fight against the blaze we experienced an unusual and beautiful event. In the turmoil and the flames, firefighters from the Fire Brigade of the City of Skopje managed to rescue a small calf that had been left on the burned terrain. Small, frightened, but alive — a small victory on a difficult day. In moments like these, every saved life is important. And today, between the fire and the ashes, we managed to save a small creature. Unfortunately, fires endanger not only nature, property and people's lives. Animals are also at risk, often left helpless before the inferno."
Ali also appealed to citizens to act carefully and responsibly as crews continue to fight the blaze.
"Fires, whether they are deliberately set or break out due to carelessness, leave consequences for all living beings. Let's protect nature, and safeguard people, property and animals," Ali urged.
Local crews remain engaged in firefighting operations on Mount Kitka; the rescued calf and the brief uplift it provided highlighted how wildfires affect both people and animals in the affected area.
Photo: CUK
