A large forest fire has broken out near the Delchevo village of Bigla in North Macedonia, not far from the Bulgarian border. Despite repeated attempts to localize the fire, strong winds and high temperatures have led to the fire spreading again, the regional portal MKD reports, BTA reports.
Around 300 people have been mobilized to control the fire. Fire crews from Shtip, Gevgelija, Berovo, Pehchevo, Makedonska Kamenica, Kochani and Vinnitsa, as well as employees of the Ministry of Interior, the Red Cross, health services and other institutions are participating in the extinguishing.
The fire broke out at around 2:00 p.m. yesterday, announced the mayor of Delchevo and chairman of the municipal crisis headquarters, Ivan Gochevski. According to him, the fire was localized several times, but subsequently reactivated due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The fire threatened several neighborhoods
The situation is particularly serious because of the dense pine forest in the area, which creates conditions for the flames to spread quickly to the territories of several municipalities.
Yesterday, the fire threatened several neighborhoods in the village of Bigla. However, thanks to the quick response of the firefighters and other teams, the fire did not reach the residential buildings.
There are currently no reports of injured or endangered residents. Several participants in the extinguishing have sought help due to smoke inhalation, but their condition is good.
Residents in the area have been warned to be ready to evacuate if the situation worsens. Tourists who were accommodated in villas near the fire have already been moved to a safe place.
Aircraft also participate in the extinguishing
Firefighting aircraft have also been mobilized to control the fire. Local authorities emphasize that coordination between various institutions and assistance from neighboring municipalities are key to containing the fire.
High temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation continue to hamper firefighters' efforts and create a risk of new spread of the fire.
For now, the teams' main goal remains to prevent the flames from reaching populated areas and to contain the fire in forest areas.