Entry into forests without authorization banned from July 1 due to high wildfire risk

Starting July 1, a ban on movement through forests without the appropriate permit will take effect as a measure aimed at preventing the spread of fires during the summer season. This government decision was made because of high temperatures and the increased risk of fires breaking out in forest areas.

According to the responsible institutions, this measure has been put in place to avoid major environmental damage and to preserve the country’s forest fund during the summer months.

The director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Stojançe Angelov, said that the institutions have entered the fire season prepared and organized. However, he underlined that in the event of large-scale fires, the available capacities may prove insufficient.

“Last year we were also well organized, and this year we are organized as well. All the resources we have, starting with human resources as well as vehicles, planes and helicopters, will be at our disposal. As for whether these resources are enough, certainly not. Countries that are economically much stronger than us, such as Greece and Turkey, ask for help every summer because of fires. So, I am afraid that even this summer the resources will not be enough, but it is impossible for the state to have as many resources as it would need during the summer,” said Stojançe Angelov, Director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue.

The authorities have appealed to citizens not to light fires in open areas, to be careful while staying in nature, and to immediately report any case that could endanger forests. For those who do not comply with the rules, measures and sanctions are предусмотрени in accordance with the law.

During the past year, nearly 95,000 hectares of forests and vegetation-covered areas were burned in our country as a result of more than 130 forest fires recorded across the entire territory of the country.