The Director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, Stojanche Angelov, indicated that new evidence suggests the fire near the Skopje-Blace highway was intentionally set. The fire broke out on Sunday around noon.

Angelov noted the fire line was unusually wide, suggesting it was not caused by a discarded cigarette.

Firefighters discovered wooden pallets in several locations while working to extinguish the blaze. The pallets appeared to have been smeared or doused with gasoline and placed within the spruces.

According to Angelov, someone deliberately attempted to reignite the fire this morning, even while it was under control.

Angelov urged citizens to report any suspicious behavior immediately by calling 112.

Angelov clarified that no monasteries or churches were in immediate danger during yesterday’s fire, and reports of three houses burning down in the village of Chucher were inaccurate.