Pehchevo, 9 August 2021 (MIA) - The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been active since the outbreak of the wildfires across the country. With the help of Austria, Slovenia and Bulgaria and the firefighting plane from Romania, we are bringing wildfires under control, said director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate Bekim Maksuti, who together with EU Ambassador David Geer visited the camp in Pehchevo where Austrian team of firefighters is deployed. Maksuti stressed that the wind occasionally causes difficulties in combatting the wildfire, but all firefighters who are on the ground, prevent it from spreading to other areas. He also added that early on Monday weather conditions were more favorable, however around between 12 pm and 2 pm the situation deteriorated sharply as the wind carried the fire to the south. The fire near the village of Machevo, as he informed, is almost extinguished, and the fire is still burning near Budimirci. “Our initial task was to save as many material goods as possible, but also people from the villages that were endangered, and with the involvement of all participants included in activities, we will continue with firefighting efforts,” Maksuti said. EU Ambassador Geer praised the commitment of the European countries in combating the wildfires in the Maleshevija region. “I’m deeply impressed by the commitment of the various teams from Austria, Slovenia and Bulgaria, but also by the commitment of the local community who very clearly informs us about the situation. We are also here to thank for the contribution among European countries,” Geer said.