Macedonia's Stojanče Angеlov Announces Institutional Support for Volunteer Firefighters

Stojanče Angеlov, director of North Macedonia’s Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS) and head of the Crisis Management Headquarters, announced that volunteer firefighters will receive institutional support through DZS. Funding from the recent budget rebalancing will enable greater engagement of volunteers during the summer season. Angеlov stressed that “fires cannot be extinguished without people on the ground” and highlighted the importance of rapid‑response teams.

He referenced the recent fire crisis in the city of Gostivar, where crisis mechanisms were activated within three hours after legal conditions were met. The response involved the Ministry of Health, Institute of Public Health, Food and Veterinary Agency, the Crisis Management Centre, DZS, Skopje Municipality, the water‑utility JP “Water Supply and Sewerage” – Skopje, and Gostivar’s local government. Citizens received sufficient drinking and technical water. Coordination with the Hydro‑Meteorological Agency ensured timely air‑support. The summer focus will be on strengthening volunteer firefighters and rapid‑response units.