Fire in Prespa Advances into Pelister National Park
Blaze, first reported before 15:00, burns between the foothills of Vrtushka and Mala Chuka while ground and air crews work to contain it.
A wildfire that broke out this afternoon in the Prespa area has spread into Pelister National Park, burning between the lower slopes of the peaks Vrtushka and Mala Chuka. Park officials say the fire appeared before 15:00 and crews are working to contain it.
Rangers from National Park Pelister are operating on the ground together with firefighting teams from Resen and Bitola to try to localize the blaze. Air tractors have been deployed, and two teams equipped with Pinzgauers from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue are participating in the suppression effort.
Firebreaks and urgent reinforcements
Director Stojanche Angelov said crews are cutting firebreaks to prevent the flames from spreading further inside the park, because if that happens, "there is a risk it would reach the pine forest."
Public enterprises in Bitola have already dispatched heavy machinery to the site to assist firefighters in creating containment lines and moving debris.
Park personnel and emergency services continue coordinated work on multiple fronts, combining ground crews, mechanized support and aerial assets to limit the fire's advance and protect the park's wooded areas.
Authorities said they will provide updates as the situation develops and urged residents and visitors in nearby areas to avoid the affected zones and follow instructions from emergency services.
Photo: SDK.MK)
