Makedonski Brod, 5 August 2024 (MIA) — A new brushfire broke out Monday afternoon near the Makedonski Brod village of Slatina. This is the second time a fire has spread near the village this month, MIA's Prilep correspondent writes.

According to Makedonski Brod Mayor Zharko Risteski, efforts are ongoing to prevent the blazes from crossing the hill and reaching the village.

Risteski said local forest police were fighting the fire and the Protection and Rescue Directorate was sending two firefighting helicopters, which were expected to arrive around 2 pm.

He also said the nearby pine forest fire near the village of Breznica, already burning for some 20 days, was still active.

It has burned down 10 out of the 15 abandoned houses in the village of Tazhevo.

Risteski said firefighters had a rough night, after being trapped several times near Tazhevo.

The fire has also spread toward Jasen.

Thirty-five Hungarian firefighters, 50 army members, five firefighters from the Makedonski Brod Fire Department, and three firefighting vehicles are on the ground there to try to control it.

"This is the most serious fire in the country," Risteski said. mr/