Skopje, 25 March 2026 (MIA) - Compared to earlier periods, we are better prepared this year to respond to wildfires. Five pilots are at our disposal for the Air Tractors, and the two planes are expected back from servicing by May at the latest, said Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate.

“At the moment, the Directorate has five Air Tractor pilots ready to act ahead of the wildfire season. Currently, one Air Tractor is operational, while the other two are undergoing servicing in Zagreb and are expected to be returned in April, or by May at the latest, meaning that by June we will have three operational Air Tractors and five pilots. At the same time, steps are being taken to secure additional pilots. Since last year, 43 special vehicles have been in service, formerly military and police vehicles converted for firefighting purposes: 23 Pinzgauers, 15 BTR-80 carrier equipped with powerful water cannons with a range of about 100 meters, and five Hermelins for towing tankers with capacities of four to eight tonnes. Additionally, some regions have strengthened their capacities with new or donated vehicles, while certain volunteer fire brigades, such as the one in Kochani, have also significantly enhanced their capacities,” Angelov said Wednesday ahead of the conference for the international project “Forest Fire Struga – FFS” held in Skopje.

According to Angelov, the country has learned a great deal from the past and is entering the wildfire season much better prepared, although he noted that the concept of “preparedness” can be interpreted differently, and that even much stronger countries such as Greece and Turkey face serious fires every year and seek international assistance.

Macedonia, together with several countries in the region, and under the auspices of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, is participating in the “Forest Fire Struga – FFS” project aimed at strengthening the capacities of rapid response teams. The project was promoted today and in addition to Macedonia, includes Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria. As part of the project, an international exercise will also be held in the Struga and Ohrid region, especially in the areas of the Galichica and Jablanica national parks.

Angelov said the project is important, considering that wildfires know no borders and frequently spread at the same time across multiple neighboring countries.

“A large international project funded by the European Union – “Forest Fire” – was launched in January this year. Struga is hosting the project, meaning Macedonia, more precisely the Protection and Rescue Directorate, is the organizer. As wildfires and open-area fires know no borders, they often spread simultaneously across several neighboring countries. The main events will be held in the municipalities of Struga and Ohrid, with a number of activities planned in the period ahead,” Angelov said.

Photo: Protection and Rescue Directorate