Skopje, 8 July 2025 (MIA) – There are indications that the fire which broke out on Sunday afternoon on the main road from Skopje to Blace border crossing was deliberately set, Stojanche Angelov, Director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate said Tuesday.

He noted that the firefighters found wooden pallets at the fire site in the morning, which needs to be investigated to determine whether they were soaked in gasoline and thrown into trees.

During efforts this morning to fully extinguish the fire, which is currently under full control, firefighters discovered wooden pallets in several places, likely previously soaked with gasoline and thrown into spruce trees. Angelov stated that someone deliberately attempted to restart the fire this morning, though it remains under control.

He appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity, particularly individuals transporting wooden pallets by vehicle or on foot, immediately to the emergency number 112.

It is also not true that any monastery or church was in immediate danger from the fire yesterday. Likewise, the report that three houses burned down in the village of Chucher is false, emphasized Angelov.

He added that no houses were allowed to burn yesterday, thanks to the brave response of Skopje firefighters, police and army pilots, as well as the local population.

Фото: ДЗС