(ANSA-AFP) - SKOPJE, 14 LUG - Seven wildfires swept across
North Macedonia on Sunday, officials said, which had prompted
the government to declare a crisis situation. During an
overnight emergency government session, lawmakers late Saturday
declared a crisis situation -- falling short of calling for a
state of emergency -- "due to increased occurrence of
wildfires". The fires spread mainly in the central and eastern
parts of the country, according to the state's Crisis Management
Center, amid a gruelling heatwave. More than 100 hectares of
forest had been scorched as of Saturday despite the efforts of
firefighters. "The period of existence of the state of crises on
the territory of Republic of North Macedonia is for 30 days,"
the government said in a statement. A state of crises is
proclaimed when the public and property face serious risks or
dangers, which demands an injection of significant government
resources. The government also approved the engagement of the
police and army in the fight against the wildfires as well as
preparing medical staff. Around 100 soldiers and two army
helicopters on Sunday morning were involved in extinguishing a
fire near the southern town of Negotino, the ministry of defence
said. Since last week, the region has been hit by a heatwave
forecasted to extend until the end of the next week. On Friday,
the North Macedonia issued an extreme weather alert with
temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees
Fahrenheit) in some areas. Dd/giv
/ (ANSA-AFP).
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