Nogaevci fire contained; blazes continue in Skopska Crna Gora, Matejche and along Lepenec
The Directorate for Protection and Rescue said locals reported the Nogaevci blaze was likely set deliberately; two air tractors assisted firefighting.
Firefighters near Veles have brought the blaze around the village of Nogaevci under control, while separate fires continued tonight in the Ramno area of Skopska Crna Gora, around the village of Matejche and along the Lepenec river.
Stojanche Angelov, director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DPR), said he suspects the Nogaevci fire was deliberately set and that the police will investigate the case. He based his suspicion on statements from local residents.
Local Veles firefighting crews and villagers fought the flames in the Nogaevci area, assisted by both air tractors. Authorities reported the immediate danger there is now contained.
Active fronts and outlook
Tonight an especially severe fire burned in the Ramno locality of Skopska Crna Gora. Firefighters from Skopje and teams from National Forests are battling that blaze.
A separate fire in the municipality of Kumanovo, in the vicinity of the village of Matejche, is moving toward the Matejche monastery. Meanwhile, a fire that crossed into North Macedonia from Kosovo along the Lepenec river has been partially contained; officials expect it to be fully controlled or extinguished tomorrow.
Police will lead the probe into the suspected arson in Nogaevci while firefighting and forest services continue efforts to secure all affected areas and prevent further spread.
Photo: press material from the event
