North Macedonia extends full ban on movement in state forests for September 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy has approved a full ban on public movement in forests managed by the state enterprise Public Enterprise National Forests – Skopje for the month of September, citing heightened risk of wildfires.

The decision was issued at the request of Public Enterprise National Forests – Skopje and based on Article 57, paragraph 3 of the Law on Forests. The restriction applies daily from 00:00 to 24:00 across the territory administered by the enterprise.

The ban takes effect on 1 September 2026 and remains in force until 30 September 2026. Authorities said the measure responds to an increased danger of forest fires in open areas.

Exceptions and permits

The restriction does not apply to personnel and units from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, the Forest Police, the Center for Crisis Management, the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the State Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting, Public Enterprise National Forests, entities carrying out silvicultural activities, forest works and forest protection, and to individuals who hold a written authorization to move in forests managed by Public Enterprise National Forests – Skopje.

Movement in the restricted areas will be allowed only with a written permit issued by the subsidiaries of Public Enterprise National Forests – Skopje for the territory they manage. Citizens who need access to park forests (for example, Vodno) or to national parks are asked to check with the legal entities that manage those areas about local rules and possible exceptions.

Implementation and enforcement of the ban will be the responsibility of employees of Public Enterprise National Forests assigned to protection duties, the State Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting, the Forest Police and the Ministry of Interior.

Photo: press material from the event