Valandovo, 2 July 2025 (MIA) - A wildfire in the village of Grchishte near Valandovo, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, was reignited on Wednesday morning by high winds and is currently raging over a significant area. According to the Crisis Management Center (CMC), the fire is spreading in two directions – towards the villages of Kazan Dol and Furka, and towards the Municipality of Bogdanci.

Over 50 people have been engaged in the efforts to douse the blazes. Valandovo Mayor Pero Kostadinov requested the deployment of firefighting air units, however the CMC said it has been notified by the Interior Ministry that helicopters cannot be deployed due to technical reasons.

“The CMC has also submitted a request to the Protection and Rescue Directorate but is yet to receive an answer. At the same time, it has submitted a request to the General Staff of the Army over the possibility of deploying air support and is awaiting their response as well,” the CMC said in a press release.

The CMC described the wildfire as “serious” since it covers a significant area with scattered populated areas, stressing that it “represents a potential threat to the lives and well-being of the population, as well as to buildings, property and infrastructure” in the affected region.

Photo: Territorial Fire Brigade Strumica