Angelov: The fire in Ramno is the most difficult to control in the territory of Čučer Sandevo

The risk of wildfires spreading remains high. Six fires are currently active in open areas, some of which are proving more difficult to extinguish. According to Stojanče Angelov, director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the most complex situation is in the Ramno region, in the territory of the Municipality of Čučer Sandevo, where low vegetation, ferns, grass and shrubs have been engulfed by flames, while in some areas the fire has also reached the forest floor.

Angelov explained that the flames are spreading across the ground, burning leaves and grass and producing dense smoke. Due to strong winds, the smoke is being carried toward Skopje and the settlements located on the slopes of Skopje’s Karadak mountain range.

Firefighters from Skopje, several teams from the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, members of the Army and a police helicopter have been deployed in an effort to contain the fire.

The director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue said that more than 30 fires in open areas were recorded yesterday alone. Most of them were extinguished thanks to the work of firefighters and other services involved in firefighting operations.

One fire remains active above the villages of Gračani and Nigištan and is moving toward Lepenc. However, its intensity has decreased and, according to Angelov, the fire is expected to be brought fully under control during the day today.

A fire has also reignited in the area between Struga and Debar, near several villages, where teams of firefighters from Struga are operating.

Other active fires have been reported near the village of Tajmište, in the Municipality of Kičevo, as well as near the village of Belica, in the Municipality of Makedonski Brod. Operations in these areas are being hampered by the extremely rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Angelov urged citizens to exercise maximum caution because of the expected weather conditions.

“High temperatures and strong winds are forecast for today. It takes just one spark to cause a serious disaster, so I call on all citizens to act responsibly and avoid any activity that could start a fire,” Angelov said.