Skopje, 10 August 2021 (MIA) – All state capacities have been literally put entirely in the service of fighting the wildfires over the past ten days, whereas the Army and its members have shown they are always the first to respond to the needs of the people and the state, investing their capacities, knowledge and equipment to save lives first, but also assets and nature, said Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska on Tuesday. “All capacities of the Army – infantry, special forces and aviation units – have been engaged and there has been no time for rest. Literally all of them, along with the logistics departments that possess the capacities to handle wildfires,” Minister Shekerinska told a press conference alongside Aviation VING Commander, Coloner Stojko Pejovski and Operations Command Commander, Brigadier-General Besnik Emini. There are currently 1,614 Army members engaged in the fire extinguishing efforts, the largest number of manpower involved in such activity to date. “The Army has relentlessly come out for its people and country,” said Shekerinska and thanked the troops for their engagement and risks on land but especially in the air. She also thanked Slovenia, Romania, Serbia, Austria, Bulgaria and all others who have provided assistance. Colonel Pejovski said the broadest area covered is the Pijanec region (Delchevo, Pehchevo and Berovo) – 8kmx16km. “This fire is currently put under control. There are units on the ground and there is no longer need for helicopter support,” added Pejovski. Brigadier-General Emini said the Army was actively engaged on August 2, at the request of the Crisis Management Center (CMC) and the order of the Supreme Commander. “All Army garrisons have forces and means at disposal, and if required, they can be made available on the field shortly,” added Emini.