Angellov hopes for weekend rainfall: If forecasts are confirmed, fire season may end

By 1 p.m., a total of 13 fires had been recorded, several of which continue to burn forested areas. Data from the Crisis Management Center show that four fires remain active, five are under control and four others have been extinguished.

Active fires have been reported in Struga, Makedonski Brod, Čučer-Sandevo and Kriva Palanka. Meanwhile, fires under control have been reported in Makedonski Brod, Kičevo, Gjorče Petrov and Delčevo.

Angellov, the director of the DMSH, said that the rainfall forecast for the weekend could mark the end of this year’s fire season if the weather forecasts prove accurate.

“Yesterday, too, we faced more than 30 fires, despite the forecast of rain in the western part of North Macedonia. Rain fell only in some areas and had a limited impact; however, it helped extinguish the fire in Vrutok, which was already under control after a police helicopter intervened the previous day,” Angellov said.

He urged citizens to exercise caution, while stressing that the Hydrometeorological Service had forecast heavier rainfall for Saturday and Sunday. “We are eagerly awaiting it. If their forecasts come true, then this should also mark the end of the fire season,” Angellov said.