All state resources deployed to protect Mount Kitka from wildfire
Center for Crisis Management says three aircraft and ground crews are fighting fires in the Karshijak area; no immediate threat to Paligrad.
Published 25 August 2026, 13:02 — The Center for Crisis Management reported intensive firefighting operations on 25 August after blazes broke out in villages around the Karshijak area, with authorities focusing on protecting Mount Kitka.
Muhamed Ali, director of the Center for Crisis Management, is on site coordinating response teams and monitoring the situation directly. He said: "Our priority is the protection of Mount Kitka and preventing the fire from spreading to populated areas."
State assets deployed both from air and ground
According to the operations update, all available state resources have been mobilized: three aircraft from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue are conducting water-drops, while crews from the Fire Brigade of the City of Skopje and teams from National Forests are operating on the ground.
Officials reported that there is currently no danger to the village of Paligrad or to other settlements in the Karshijak area. Firefighters are working to contain hotspots and protect access routes for emergency vehicles.
The Center said continuous monitoring and intensified intervention will continue until the fire is fully stabilized. Coordination at the scene remains under the direct supervision of Muhamed Ali alongside the relevant services and teams.
Photo: press material from the event
