Skopje, 14 August 2024 (MIA) - After being put out last night, the fire near the village of Zajas in Kichevo has become active again today, as reported Wednesday afternoon by Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Crisis Management Center (CMC).

“The blaze has been active for the third consecutive day, and while it was quiet today, it has reignited. Young pine trees are burning. Firefighters from Kichevo and 30 members of the Army are on-site to tackle the fire. Aerial support is not possible since it is not considered a severe or high-priority fire and can be addressed with ground efforts,” he said.

Early on Wednesday, Angelov, calls on citizens to call the 112 emergency number or report it to the police if they see any arsonists or suspicious activities.

"I call on all citizens if they notice any suspicious activities, that is, a suspicious person who might be setting a fire or acting recklessly by burning stubble which can grow into wildfire, to call the 112 emergency number or the nearest police station. If you are uncomfortable or afraid with doing so, you can call a friend who is a police officer, forester, an employee at CMC, Protection and Rescue Directorate or National Forests public enterprise, to relay the information further," Angelov said.

"I call for great caution. The fire is serious, and in places like landfills or dry grass, it can quickly spread to forests or pose a threat to human lives. We must respond fiercely to those who start these fires, as prevention is the most effective measure. Only when they face punishment will they take care. There is no excuse for such irresponsible behavior. I will push for additional legal changes to enforce strict penalties for actions that endanger lives and waste state resources," Angelov stated.

The government at its session on Wednesday has reviewed and approved the continuation of additional preventive measures in response to the ongoing heatwave. These measures will remain in effect through Thursday, as announced by the government's press service.

The government recommends that the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as pregnant women and persons over the age of 60, be released from work duties on 15 August 2024 (Thursday).

In the same period, employers should reorganize the work activities of construction workers and workers working outdoors, to avoid construction or other physical activities outdoors during the period from 11 am to 5 pm.

In childcare centers (kindergartens), it is recommended to avoid physical activities and to refrain from taking children outdoors between 11 am and 5 pm.

The government advises local self-government units, the Red Cross, and Social Work Centers in heatwave-affected areas to provide assistance to elderly, and frail individuals, as well as the homeless.

Photo: CMC