Macedonian Protection and Rescue Directorate head Stojanche Angelov informed Tuesday that a fire broke out in the Municipality of Gradsko, and due to its spread, air tractors were also redirected from the firefighting efforts at Mount Kitka.
“Around 11 a.m. today, a severe fire broke out on the territory of the Gradsko municipality, in the area between the villages of Gorno Chichevo and Dolno Chichevo. The fire probably started in stubble, but due to the tall and dry grass and the wind blowing here, it spread at great speed, endangering both villages. The mayor of the Gradsko municipality called me urgently, asking for urgent help,” said Angelov.
The head of the State Fire Service stated that firefighting teams from Veles, Negotino and Kavadarci were urgently sent here, but they were not enough to stop the fire that was moving at high speed, which is why he redirected the air tractors that had been operating on the large fire at Mount Kitka since early Tuesday morning.
“I redirected them here, they helped to initially control this fire, and immediately after that the police helicopter continued its operation. A big thank you also to the local population who came out with tractors to plow, to make firebreaks and thus I hope that it will be completely put out soon,” Angelov added in his video statement.
