Wildfire situation worsens — 21 fires reported, majority still active
At least 21 wildfires were reported; many remain active and crews face inaccessible terrain
Fire conditions across open terrain in North Macedonia deteriorated sharply on Thursday, when authorities recorded at least 21 separate blazes, many of them still burning, the director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Stojanche Angelov, said.
Fire clusters and response
Among the most serious outbreaks were fires near Makedonski Brod, Studenichani, Zelenikovo and Kichevo, as well as multiple incidents in the Polog region. Several of these sites are hard to reach, which has complicated suppression efforts.
Angelov said crews are using a mix of equipment and manpower to tackle the flames, including "air tractors", fire brigades and teams from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue. In inaccessible areas, crews have faced particular difficulties containing the spread.
Authorities linked the rapid spread to very high temperatures and low humidity, conditions that favour fast fire growth and make containment harder.
Angelov appealed to citizens to exercise extreme caution in the coming days, and added that investigators have identified instances of deliberately set fires. Officials urged anyone who notices smoke or suspicious activity to report it immediately.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and prioritise protecting populated places and infrastructure while working to bring the most dangerous fires under control.
Photo: press material from the event
