Skopje, 28 July 2025 (MIA) - I understand the panic among citizens but panic is our enemy and can lead to poor decisions. I urge citizens to listen to the guidelines by local and national authorities. We have full control over all resources, which are never sufficient but we are properly distributing them. Human lives are our number one priority, followed by property, said Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD) director Stojanche Angelov on Monday.

Angelov, who is also the head of the Crisis Management HQ, told a press conference that 15 wildfires were registered over the course of the day, nine of which are active and six are under control.

Angelov said Slovenia and France have offered teams of 50 firefighters and firefighting vehicles as support in the extinguishing operations.

"Although temperatures have dropped, they are still pertinent for wildfires. Citizens should exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious conduct," said Angelov.

Yesterday saw 51 wildfires, some caused by people's negligence but most were planted.

"The motives are both economic and criminal. Some hope they can cut down the burnt forest, others are plain arsonists, who would not plant a fire in a populated place where they could be seen, caught or filmed. Certain fires are planted in forests where the tree quality is poor, so there is no logical explanation here," said Angelov.

Photo: MIA