Skip to main content

Balkan wildfires wave tamed in Serbia, Macedonia burns

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUL 10 - The wildfire situation in Serbia improved significantly, while it is still an emergency in northern Macedonia, where a dozen wildfires remain active, with a death toll so far of two. Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said today that more than 3,000 rescuers and 700 firefighting vehicles participated in extinguishing 628 wildfires that developed in recent days throughout the country. So many were arsonists or related to irresponsible behavior of people in forests and parks, he pointed out. The sudden drop of more than 20 degrees in temperatures in just 24 hours, along with rainfall, contributed to the extinguishing of the flames, which caused extensive material and agricultural damage. In contrast, the situation remains serious in northern Macedonia, which called for support from the international community, and where Army units were mobilized in support of rescue teams. Authorities in Skopje also reported the high number of arson fires in the country. (ANSA).