Skopje, 17 September 2025 (MIA) - A public prosecutor from the Skopje Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO) and investigation units from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) conducted a fire scene investigation in Trubarevo on Wednesday. The Prosecutor's Office noted that investigation activities are being taken both in relation to the cause and origin of the fire and in relation to the storage of waste at the site, adding that photographing and drone filming of the site has also been carried out.

"Upon order of a public prosecutor, the scene will remain secured in the coming period for the needs of the procedure. Additional air contamination measurements will continue to be carried out by the Ministry of Environment, and an expert in the field of environment will also be engaged on the ground. The prosecution and investigative authorities continue to take other actions for a thorough investigation," said the PPO.  

A firefighters' unit remains on the scene, as smoke is still visible in certain parts of the site.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Skopje-based Criminal Court said a pre-trial judge, upon proposal of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, has extended for another 48 hours the detention of the four suspects in connection with the Trubarevo fire. 

Based on reasonable suspicion for the crime of endangering the environment and nature with waste material, in connection with the Trubarevo fire, the Prosecutor's Office in Skopje launched proceedings against four people regarding whom it requested a pre-trial judge last Sunday to order 48-hour detention in order to secure evidence.   

"Their specific actions are under investigation, but involve a 56-year-old manager and owner of 2 legal entities, a 22-year-old manager of a third legal entity, a 42-year-old manager of a subsidiary, and a 59-year-old employee in a legal entity. The potential liability of other individuals is also under investigation," the press release said.

The four people are suspected for the crime of endangering the environment and nature with waste material. 

Upon order of a public prosecutor, the Prosecutor's Office said on Tuesday, Skopje police units were at the scene of the fire on Tuesday, in order to take action and collect certain evidence necessary in relation to the procedure over endangering the environment with waste material. "Several actions are underway to secure and analyse documentation," said the Prosecutor's Office.

The fire broke out at a waste recycling facility in the Skopje village of Trubarevo around 2 p.m. on September 13.  

Protection and Rescue Directorate head, Stojanche Angelov, said on Tuesday that the fire has been extinguished, and the entire burned area has been covered with sand and soil.

Photo: MIA archive