Skopje, 20 September 2025 (MIA) - A large fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the open area above the Skopje village of Batinci.

According to the Protection and Rescue Directorate director Stojanche Angelov, the blaze engulfed dry grass, bushes, and mixed forest. Due to strong winds, the fire is spreading quickly.

Firefighting units from Skopje’s Fire Brigade are already deployed, with reinforcements coming from two Pinzgauers of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, a Ministry of Interior helicopter, and two Protection and Rescue Directorate Air Tractors scheduled to take off shortly.

Crisis Management Center Director Muhamed Ali is also on site.

Early reports suggest the fire was deliberately ignited.

Photo: Protection and Rescue Directorate