Several fire hotspots remain active on Mount Kitka, while the Air Tractors of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DPR) have joined the aerial firefighting operation.

Skopje firefighters, DPR teams and employees of the Public Enterprise “National Forests” are operating on the ground. DPR Director Stojanche Angellov said that Pinzgauer vehicles are also at the scene and will be deployed as soon as the flames emerge from the dense forest and spread toward grass-covered areas.

According to Angellov, the fire is expected to be brought partially under control over the course of today and tomorrow.

“We are using everything at our disposal to control this large fire, which has engulfed a vast area. I believe that over the course of today and tomorrow, we will manage to bring it partially under control,” he said in a video published this afternoon.

Angellov also announced that more than 20 outdoor fires had been recorded today and that their intensity was not diminishing.

“There are many irresponsible people who accidentally cause fires. Even more concerning is the fact that there are malicious individuals who deliberately start fires for personal gain or revenge, even though they know that their actions could cost someone their life,” Angellov said.

Earlier, the DPR director urged citizens to report any suspicious activity. The appeal was directed in particular at residents at the foot of Mount Kitka, specifically in the area behind Drachevo, within the Municipality of Studenichani.

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During July, an average of around 15 fires a day were recorded in open areas. According to Stojanche Angellov, director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, all the fires were brought under control and successfully extinguished thanks to the timely response of firefighting teams and the assistance of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue’s aircraft. Angellov made the statement to the media today.

He explained that the rainfall recorded recently had helped reduce the number of fires while also preventing them from spreading rapidly.

However, Angellov warned that the rainy period has now ended. High temperatures, low humidity and changes in wind direction favor the immediate outbreak of fires, their spread and difficulties in extinguishing them. “Just one spark is enough,” he said, adding that most fires are caused unintentionally. According to him, citizens usually do not intend to start fires, but even a single moment of carelessness can have serious consequences.

The director urged citizens not to throw cigarette butts in open areas, particularly from moving vehicles.

Angellov also called on citizens to immediately notify the nearest police station or call 112 about any suspicious behavior. He urged them to report people transporting suspicious liquids, torches, large fireworks or other objects, as well as activities that could cause a fire.

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The director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, Stojanche Angellov, said that the structures are better prepared than ever for the fire season.

“In my capacity as commander of the protection and rescue forces, one call is enough for me to deploy up to 120 volunteer firefighters, while in the event of an alarm, even more can be involved,” Angellov said.

He explained that, instead of police officers and Army personnel, volunteer firefighters will be deployed through the teams of the Protection and Rescue Directorate. According to him, this will enable their precise, efficient and rational involvement in the National Firefighting System.

“As far as our readiness to deal with fires is concerned, this season we are better prepared than ever before,” the director of the PRD added.

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