Three Active Fires in North Macedonia: A Home in Praviştip Completely Burned Down

While the fire risk across North Macedonia has reached alarming levels, reports of three active fires in different locations were recorded in the country simultaneously. According to official sources, the situation had become quite critical as of 13.00. The most striking and tragic event occurred in the village of Bucişte (Buchishte), part of the Praviştip (Probistip) municipality. The fire quickly spiraled out of control, and a residence in the area burned down completely, becoming unusable. While there were no casualties, the substantial material damage in this incident put authorities on high alert. The events occurring in areas affected by the flames have caused great panic and concern among the local population.

The spread of fires over a wide geographical area is complicating intervention efforts, and a second active fire hotspot was identified in the village of Neokazi in the Praviştip region. It was noted that the fire in this area started together with Bucişte and other nearby settlements such as Petırshino, and carries the risk of spreading to the village of Rativica due to the wind. Besides Praviştip, vegetation was observed burning in the "Isar" location, an area east of the city of Ştip (Shtip). The third major fire was effective in the village of Novoselani, part of the Çeşinovo-Obleşevo (Cheshinovo-Obleshevo) municipality. These fires, which broke out simultaneously at different points in the country, are straining the resources of fire crews and once again highlight the importance of coordination.

As emergency teams are mobilized to intervene, the proximity of the fire in the Ştip region to the city center poses a danger. The fire in the Ştip region started right next to a regional road, and due to smoke blocking the way, transportation experienced disruptions. A dense layer of smoke reducing visibility created a safety risk for drivers, and traffic was attempted to be maintained in a controlled manner. Teams dispatched to the area are making intense efforts to prevent flames from leaping to settlements. The burning of vegetation, especially in densely populated areas, puts structures at risk. For this reason, while intervention in Ştip is gaining momentum, calls are being made for the public in the region to be cautious.

In addition to local resources to support intervention efforts, air support was also deployed. In a statement by the Directorate for Protection and Rescue (DZS), it was reported that an aircraft of the "air tractor" type was directed to the Ştip region. The aircraft aims to facilitate the work of ground teams by intervening in the fire near the city center from the air. It is stated that generally pastures and low vegetation catch fire in the areas where fires pass, but the situation may change depending on the wind direction. Apart from the house fire in Bucişte village, the open area fires have the potential to become mass fires. It was noted that a part of the fire in Praviştip was brought under control and its spread to the settlement was prevented, but there is a possibility of progression toward the neighboring village.

Looking at the events as a whole, the course and intensity of the fires across the country continue to create unease in society. Director of Protection and Rescue Stoyanche Angelov provided detailed information to the press about how the fires started and which regions they threaten. Angelov confirmed that the fires in the Praviştip region started between Bucişte, Neokazi, and Petırshino villages, the part in Bucişte was localized by local teams, and the house burned down. However, he stated that another part of the fire is moving toward the village of Rativica and efforts are ongoing to stop it. He emphasized that as of the current situation, their teams are on the field and all necessary measures are being taken. Authorities are asking the public not to approach the fire zone and to report any possible incidents to the relevant units.