Skopje, 13 August 2024 (MIA) - Crisis Management Center Head, Stojance Angelov, informed that the number of wildfires is not decreasing, and, according to previous experience, additional wildfires are anticipated. He urged the citizens to be very careful, not to start any fires, and to report any fires they see right away.

Angelov briefed Tuesday that there were 37 wildfires reported Monday, and 23 more by 4 pm today. Of these, he said, five have been extinguished, eight are contained, and ten remain active.

"Unfortunately, based on previous experience, I anticipate that new wildfires will occur in the coming hours,” Angelov stated.

The most severe blaze, ongoing for more than 20 days, is in the area of Makedonski Brod municipality, and it now has two active fronts.

"The fire front entering the Jaseni hunting area is fully under control. For the second front, which is moving towards the village of Belice and the Belice restaurant, we have deployed a Slovenian helicopter this morning and are working with 15 police officers and 15 Macedonian army troops from the ground,” he noted.

Regarding the second major fire in Pehcevo, towards the village of Negrevo, it was reported that five air tractors are being used, while on the ground, efforts involve 15 army personnel, 10 police officers, 10 employees from the Protection and Rescue Department, and 32 workers from the National Forests public enterprise.

Concerning the Galichica fire, which has also been ongoing for several days, Angelov mentioned that it had been under control but has since reignited.

Angelov noted that the western front has progressed towards the boundary stone and is now advancing into an area of approximately two hectares of dense spruce forest. During the day, there have been at least five detonations, which hinder firefighting efforts due to unexploded ordnance remnants from past wars that were fought across Galichica.

Regarding the fifth fire in the area of Kichevo municipality, affecting the villages of Plasnica and Latovo and moving towards Makedosnki Brod, it was noted that five National Forests public enterprise employees are working to control it. The wildfire is spreading through grass, shrubs, and low-growing trees.

In relation to the ongoing fire in the Mavrovo-Rostushe area near Vrben village, it was mentioned that a Slovenian helicopter and a large MI-171 police helicopter are being used to combat the blaze. On the ground, 30 National Park employees and about ten local volunteers are working to put out the fire, which is affecting fir trees, spruce, and dry grass.

In the Prilep municipality near Smolari, local fire services are tackling the fire.

For the recent outbreak in the Gostivar municipality near Tucheshte, the fire brigade on the scene is expected to extinguish it swiftly, as it is currently burning only dry grass.

He urged citizens to be extremely cautious, to avoid causing fires in open areas, and to report any smoke or open flames by calling 112. Additionally, if they suspect someone of deliberately starting a fire, they should report it to the nearest police station or call 112.

Angelov noted that in July, there were 765 wildfires, including forest fires.

Photo: Crisis Management Center