North Macedonia is facing multiple active wildfires, fueled by extremely high temperatures that have surpassed 36 degrees Celsius in recent days.
Dry conditions, strong winds, and mountainous terrain are complicating firefighting efforts, while authorities remain on high alert in several regions across the country.
One of the most serious incidents is the large fire in the region of the village of Bllacë. The blaze broke out around midday on Sunday and remained active on Monday, affecting a significant forested area.
“One of the most serious fires, which is still active, is on the mountain near the village of Bllacë, a border village between North Macedonia and Kosovo. Authorities have been trying to fully extinguish it for two days, but many parts of the mountain continue to show signs of fire. The areas that have been extinguished appear to be completely scorched,” said Ferikan Iljazi, journalist for Euronews Albania.
On Monday morning, around 5:00 a.m., aerial firefighting operations resumed with three helicopters—two from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and one from the Army of North Macedonia. On the ground, several teams from the Skopje Fire Brigade have been deployed along with fire engines, municipal public service companies, Red Cross teams with a water tank for helicopters, and forces from the Protection and Rescue Directorate (DMSH).
The Crisis Management Center (CMC) confirmed it is in constant communication and full coordination with all responsible institutions on the ground.
“Authorities urge citizens to avoid any activity that may start a fire and to report any new outbreaks immediately, as the country is facing conditions highly conducive to rapid fire spread.”