Skopje, 15 August 2025 (MIA) - In general, over the past days, we see a daily rate of at least 20, and sometimes up to 30 wildfires, some of them are forest fires, i.e. fires within a major forest area. At this moment, we registered five wildfires across the country so far, two of which are extinguished, three are active, Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD) head Stojanche Angelov told a press conference on Friday.

As regards the fire that has been spreading for days at the Jasen National Park, he said the situation is very bad in one part, the burning has intensified with the rise of temperatures. For this fire, the authorities believe that it was most likely caused by lightning, because as Angelov explained, "someone who would have a motive to set fire would have set fire closer to the road."

The second major fire, which has also been burning for several days, has been brought under full control at times before reigniting again. The fire has now reached the area of the village of Jazhince, in the municipality of Jegunovce. 

"But I believe it was more likely deliberately set because it simply cannot reignite on its own after a few days," Angelov added.

The third active fire at the moment, which Angelov described as a "fire in progression", is burning in the municipality of Dolneni, in the area of the villages of Lazhani and Sredorek.

"It is also a very difficult terrain to access. I hope it will be brought under control today. But this fire can also turn into a big challenge," Angelov pointed out.

He noted that all teams on the ground are battling the blazes bravely and selflessly, giving their utmost effort.

"I must point out that we have strong support from the Prime Minister and the Government every day, as everything we need in terms of resources, which the state has at its disposal, we receive in record time," added Angelov.

In response to a reporter's question, he said evidence of arson is encountered every day.

"The Ministry of Interior is working to shed light on these cases. I must point out that one of the most difficult crimes to prove is precisely the act of setting fires, because traces burn along with the fire. Yet, there is certain footage, you will hear that I think during today, a person was caught setting fire yesterday. But the situation is alarming because of the number of fires, if we have five at this moment, I am sure by evening there will be over twenty. Something that is - absurd. They cannot be caused without a human factor," said Angelov.  

He noted that the country was not the only one to face such wildfire situation at the moment. 

"If citizens do not help, if they are not careful more, and fail to report all suspicious behaviour, this battle will continue throughout August, and perhaps even into September. Next week we are expecting a certain amount of rain, which would ease up the situation a bit," Angelov said. 

Photo and video: MIA