North Macedonia faces record wildfire numbers this summer

wildfires North Macedonia emergency services forest fires climate crisis

North Macedonia is facing a record-breaking summer of wildfires, with authorities reporting a significant escalation in fire activity. By 07:30, the Crisis Management Center (CMC) had registered 51 open-air fires, of which five remained active, four were under control, and 42 had been extinguished.

By 17:00, the number of active wildfires rose to at least 21. Key areas affected include the municipalities of Makedonski Brod, Studeničani, Kicevo, Tetovo, Gostivar, and Skopje. In Studeničani, fires near Morane, Vrtekica, and Ramni Gaber have been particularly difficult to manage due to the steep and inaccessible terrain. In Kicevo, a fire near Manastirsko Dolenci is reportedly threatening a local monastery.

Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS), noted that the situation has worsened significantly. He highlighted that in the Polog Region, there are reports of fires being intentionally set. Emergency teams, including specialized DZS units and volunteers, are working to contain the blazes, which are affecting forests, low vegetation, and agricultural land. Authorities have issued an urgent appeal to citizens to exercise extreme caution to prevent further catastrophes.

Entities

Bulgaria · Crisis Management Center · Directorate for Protection and Rescue · Muhamed Ali · North Macedonia · Polog Region · Stojanche Angellov · Stojanche Angelov

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] By 17:00, 21 active wildfires were registered across the country. skopskoeho.mk · zurnal.mk · vocentar.com · biznisvesti.mk · denesen.mk · +2 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Active fires were reported in municipalities including Makedonski Brod, Tetovo, Gostivar, and Skopje. skopskoeho.mk · zurnal.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] North Macedonia is experiencing a record number of wildfires this summer. skopskoeho.mk · zurnal.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The fires are affecting low and high vegetation, forest areas, and agricultural land. skopskoeho.mk · zurnal.mk
[● 6 SOURCES] There are reports of fires being intentionally set in the Polog Region. denesen.mk · press24.mk · republika.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 7 SOURCES] The condition of open-air fires significantly worsened on this day. denesen.mk · press24.mk · republika.mk · sitel.com.mk · vocentar.com
[● 6 SOURCES] A fire in the Kichevo municipality is threatening a local monastery. denesen.mk · press24.mk · republika.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] A total of 51 open-air fires were registered in the country by 07:30. skopje1.mk · koha.mk · lokalno.mk · www.slobodenpecat.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] Of the 51 fires, five are active, four are under control, and 42 have been extinguished. skopje1.mk · koha.mk · lokalno.mk · www.slobodenpecat.mk
[● 8 SOURCES] By 17:00, at least 21 active wildfires were registered across the country. skopskoeho.mk · zurnal.mk · biznisvesti.mk · denesen.mk · press24.mk · +3 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The Crisis Management Center provides information regarding the number of registered fires. skopje1.mk · lokalno.mk · koha.mk · plusinfo.mk · www.slobodenpecat.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Stojanche Angelov is the Director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue. vocentar.com · skopskoeho.mk · denesen.mk · press24.mk · sdk.mk