Skopje, 13 July 2025 (MIA) - Head of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, Stojanche Angelov, said Sunday that of about 15 wildfires currently burning, three are the most serious, including the fire in the village of Nikolikj near Dojran, a fire in the village of Krushje near Veles, and a fire near the village of Lokvica in the Municipality of Makedonski Brod. He added that the fires burning near Krushje and Lokvica, which broke out today, will be more difficult to extinguish. 

"The fire in the village of Nikolikj has been active for more than a week. Early in the morning, teams from the National Forests began their operation, with the support of local firefighters from Valandovo and Gevgelija, and the Volunteer Firefighting Society from Dojran. The Protection and Rescue Directorate, the Rapid Deployment Unit, with the support of firefighters from Kavadarci, are also assisting their firefighting efforts. This morning, in support of those fighting the fire from the ground, we launched one of the SSO's "amphibian" air tractors, which has a carrying capacity of three tons of water. They are filled with water from Lake Dojran, and thus its efficiency has been significantly increased. In short intervals, it precisely throws water where it is needed most. This morning, a firefighting aircraft of the Protection and Rescue Directorate also provided assistance to the ground forces," said Angelov.  

He added that a large army helicopter has recently joined in firefighting efforts. 

Photo and video: Protection and Rescue Directorate