# North Macedonia forest movement ban extended

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-forest-movement-ban
> Updated: 2026-08-27T09:45:33.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In North Macedonia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has extended a total ban on movement within forests and forest lands. Following a request from JP National Forests, the restriction will remain in effect from 00:00 to 24:00 throughout the month of September, specifically lasting until September 30.

The decision was prompted by a heightened risk of forest fires resulting from high temperatures and dry conditions. Authorities have advised citizens, farmers, and livestock breeders to exercise extreme caution, avoid lighting fires during windy or dry periods, and utilize safe methods for clearing flammable material to prevent uncontrolled burning, which is strictly prohibited by law.

Exemptions from the ban include the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Forest Police, the Crisis Management Center, the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the State Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting, and JP National Forests. Additionally, entities performing forestry activities and individuals with written permission from JP National Forests subsidiaries are permitted access. For national parks and specific areas such as Vodno, citizens are advised to contact the relevant managing authorities.

## Claims

- The Ministry has approved the extension of a total ban on movement in forests and forest land. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The ban is due to the increased danger of forest fires in open spaces. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The ban lasts from September 1 to September 30. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The ban applies to movement from 00:00 to 24:00 hours. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The ban does not apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Forest Police, or Crisis Management Center. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Movement is only permitted with written approval issued by JP National Forests subsidiaries. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Citizens are advised to avoid lighting fires during periods of strong wind or dry weather. (single source)
- Burning agricultural land and pastures is strictly prohibited by law. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Forest movement ban extended until September 30

Forest movement bans in North Macedonia and Kosovo have been extended until September 30 to prevent wildfires caused by high temperatures and dry conditions.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-extends-forest-movement-ban-until-september-30

### 2026-08-22: Halkidiki implements movement ban in forest areas due to fire risk

Authorities in Halkidiki, Greece, have banned movement in specific forested areas from 08:00 to 20:00 on August 23 to prevent wildfires. Violators face a 300 euro fine.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halkidiki-implements-movement-ban-in-forest-areas-due-to-fire-risk

---
Cite as: North Macedonia forest movement ban extended. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-forest-movement-ban