Serious wildfire in Gradsko municipality; air tractors redirected
Fire erupted around 11 a.m. between the villages of Gorno Čičevo and Dolno Čičevo; air tractors and a police helicopter were deployed and locals helped by ploughing firebreaks.
Stojanche Angelov, director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, reported that a serious wildfire broke out today in the Municipality of Gradsko and that air tractors were redirected to help control it.
Fire spread quickly between two villages; local residents joined firefighting efforts
"Around 11 a.m. a severe fire broke out in the territory of the Municipality of Gradsko, in the area between the villages of Gorno Čičevo and Dolno Čičevo. The fire most likely started on a stubble field, but because of the tall dry grass and the wind that blows here, it spread very quickly, threatening both villages. The mayor of the Municipality of Gradsko called me urgently and requested immediate assistance," Angelov said.
Initial ground crews were sent from Veles, Negotino and Kavadarci, but those teams alone were insufficient to halt the rapidly advancing flames. Angelov decided to redirect air tractors that had been operating since early morning on a large blaze on Mount Kitka.
"I redirected them here; they helped to gain initial control over this fire, and immediately afterward the police helicopter also began operating. Great thanks to the local population who came out with tractors to plough, to make firebreaks and thus to cut the fire. I hope it will soon be completely extinguished," he added in a video statement.
Authorities emphasized the combined effort of specialised firefighting units, aerial support and local farmers who used tractors to create containment lines. The operation aimed to prevent the flames from reaching the two villages and neighbouring farmland.
Photo: press material from the event
