Fires cause millions of euros in damage in North Macedonia, while 41,000 hectares have burned

As the year draws to a close, fires have burned tens of thousands of hectares, causing millions of euros in damage and leading to dozens of cases being investigated as deliberate arson.

Data for 2026 show that around 41,000 hectares have burned. The Public Enterprise National Forests recorded 138 fires in forest areas through the end of July, while the damage during this period was estimated at more than 4 million euros.

The fires continued throughout August. The damage has not yet been calculated, while fires also broke out in September because of high temperatures.

“By July, we had recorded 138 fires. In September, the number is expected to reach 150, while we will close the year with this figure. (5:01–5:26) The damage this year has exceeded 4 million euros, but the major fires, which have not yet been calculated, are still not included, as was the case with the fire in Kitkë, one of the biggest fires of this year,” said Kire Mihailov, deputy director of the Public Enterprise National Forests.

By the end of August, 30 people had been detained as suspected arsonists.

“According to the information I have, more than 30 people were detained by police during 2026 on suspicion of being arsonists. The procedures are still ongoing, and the courts and prosecution are following the cases. This is a serious number,” said Kire Mihailov, deputy director of the Public Enterprise National Forests.

According to data from the State Audit Office, more than 82,000 hectares of land and over 914,000 cubic meters of timber were burned in the country’s forests during 2023 and 2025.

The damage during this period was estimated at around 133 million euros. According to the statistics, the most difficult year was 2024, when the damage was estimated at more than 83 million euros.

Alsat