300 Fight Major Wildfire Near Bigla Village After Tire-Burning Sparks Blaze
A fire that started when someone burned tires in their yard spread into pine forest near the Delčevo-area village, drawing firefighting units from across the eastern region plus aerial support.
A major wildfire broke out in a pine forest near the village of Bigla, in the Delčevo municipality, after an individual burning tires in their own yard lost control of the flames. The fire quickly spread to the nearby forest, with roughly 300 people now working to contain it.
The director of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Stojanče Angelov, confirmed that all available forces from Delčevo were deployed immediately after the report, with reinforcements arriving from territorial firefighting units in Štip, Gevgelija, Berovo, Pehčevo, Makedonska Kamenica, Kočani and Vinica. Police, the Red Cross, medical services and public utility crews are also on the ground.
Fighting the Fire From Air and Ground
Bigla is a so-called "scattered" village, with houses spread across several hills, which complicates protection efforts. The municipality has deployed heavy machinery, tractors and bulldozers to cut firebreaks between the blaze and the settlement to prevent homes from being threatened. Aerial firefighting aircraft have also been deployed, and at one point helicopter support was called in as well.
According to the latest information, the fire was brought under control several times during the day, but strong winds and high temperatures repeatedly reignited and spread it. Several people received medical attention for smoke inhalation, but all are reported to be in good health.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · August 24, 2026