site.btaFirefighting Efforts Ongoing in North Macedonia

Fourteen wildfires are currently active in the Republic of North Macedonia. Five major fires have been brought under control, while the firefighting effort continues, said Crisis Management Centre Director Stojanche Angelov. He urged homeowners in mountainous and sparsely populated or abandoned villages to create firebreaks around their properties.

"I urge all those potentially affected by fires to make 20-metre-wide firebreaks around their settlements, employ large tractors for ploughing, and clear the land using bulldozers, where possible. The unpredictability of new fire outbreaks, coupled with the persistent strong winds, dry vegetation and high temperatures, could exacerbate the risk of more outbreaks," Angelov said in a video message and called for an end to stubble burning and the dumping of glass bottles.

Media outlets also reported that the observation tower and the renovated observation platform of the Smolarska Waterfall near Novo Selo, access to which is now prohibited for safety reasons, had burnt down. The Strumica Territorial Firefighting Unit said the fire broke out around 6 pm on Monday. It quickly spread and engulfed the nearby forest to the east towards Belasica Mountain, but further spread was prevented, "360 Degrees" said.