Skopje, 22 July 2022 (MIA) - A fire that broke out in the Maleshevo region has damaged more than 50 hectares of degraded beech and oak forest. Authorities expect the fire to be put under full control by the end of the day or tomorrow at the latest since it is only spreading low on the ground despite the heat hindering the efforts. After breaking out yesterday afternoon, the fire threatened to turn into large-scale wildfire, Crisis Management Center head Stojanche Angelov told MIA on Friday while visiting the site in the eastern part of the country. A police helicopter was deployed early Friday, which managed to subdue the first blazing blow and to put it into partial control. A plane of the Protection and Rescue Directorate has been also put into use to help fight firefighting efforts. Thanking the pilots and the firefighters, who were deployed from several parts in the eastern region, Angelov said that the safety of the citizens and that of firemen comes first. Protection and Rescue Directorate head Bekim Maksuti, who accompanied Angelov to tour the site, said that cooperation between relevant institutions, namely the Crisis Management Center, the local authorities and volunteers is good. He called on the citizens to be careful not to set fire and prevent fires from breaking out and to report them. The Berovo regional crisis management center said that 110 people and 17 vehicles have been deployed to join firefighting efforts and the Protection and Rescue Directorate has dispatched a Air Tractor plane. Meanwhile, the Managing Committee, chaired by Angelov, will convene at 5 pm. Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, Transport Minister Blagoj Bochvarski, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Health Minister Bekim Sali are expected to be in attendance. Talks are expected to focus on wildfires, the challenges arising during the summer across the country and on ways to help neighboring countries with capacities and resources.