We are on duty for the forests, our common heritage,’ says Turkish Agriculture, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli
Türkiye has dispatched two airplanes and a helicopter to North Macedonia to assist in combating severe forest fires, announced Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli on Monday.
“We are on duty for the forests, our common heritage. To support the fight against the ongoing forest fires, 2 of our planes and 1 helicopter went to North Macedonia. I convey my best wishes to the people of North Macedonia and wish our teams success in their duties,” Yumakli said on social media platform X.
Arrival of Aid
Stojance Angelov, North Macedonia’s Director of the Crisis Management Center, confirmed the arrival of Turkish aid at Skopje airport. The forest fires, which have devastated more than 100 hectares over the weekend, led the North Macedonian government to declare a state of crisis for 30 days.
Regional Support
In addition to Türkiye, Serbia, Slovenia, and Montenegro have also pledged their support. Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that helicopters will be sent to assist with firefighting efforts.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed hope that the wildfires will be brought under control within the next few days.
Government Measures
In response to the fires, North Macedonia has implemented a ban on movement in forests from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., which will remain in effect until the wildfire risk diminishes. The government has also engaged the police and army in firefighting efforts and alerted medical staff to be on standby.
Extreme Weather Alerts
Both North Macedonia and Serbia had issued extreme weather alerts last week, warning of the heightened risk of wildfires due to severe weather conditions. The support from neighboring countries aims
to mitigate the impact of these fires and protect the forests, which are a vital part of the region’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
Türkiye’s swift response, along with assistance from other regional neighbors, underscores the importance of international cooperation in dealing with natural disasters. As North Macedonia battles the ongoing wildfires, the collective efforts of these nations highlight a shared commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the safety of affected communities.
