Residential building managers reported irregularities, including stolen fire hoses, malfunctioning hydrant systems, and obstructed evacuation exits, after being ordered by municipal inspection services to submit information on fire protection equipment

Following the deadline for data submission, inspectors will verify the accuracy of the provided information against the actual conditions on-site. Municipalities will then submit records of their inspections to ZELS, making them accessible to the public. Building managers will have a set timeframe to address any identified deficiencies.

These inspections, prompted by a tragic fire in Kochani, have highlighted a shortage of communal inspectors in municipalities, leading to varying verification methods. Some municipalities conduct field inspections, while others rely on house councils and managers to report on hydrant network conditions, fire extinguisher availability, and the accessibility of fire escape stairs.

The President of ZELS, Orce Gjorgjievski, stated that approximately 40 additional inspectors are needed to ensure proper oversight, and municipalities will collaborate to address this shortage.

Larger Skopje municipalities, such as Kisela Voda and Aerodrom, have initiated controls, with Aerodrom instructing residential managers and tenant communities to assess hydrants, fire extinguishers, and evacuation routes. After a five-day reporting period, inspectors will verify the data’s accuracy in the field.

Kisela Voda is also conducting intensive inspections, adhering to housing laws and regulations. Identified irregularities are communicated to building managers and owners’ associations, who are given deadlines to rectify them. Subsequent inspections will determine compliance.

Initial findings from inspections in five Skopje municipalities reveal common issues, including defective hydrant networks, missing fire extinguishers, and blocked evacuation routes. More detailed information on fire protection deficiencies will be released after the inspections are completed.

Citizens are reporting issues such as stolen fire hoses, malfunctioning hydrants, and obstructed exits, according to the Mayor of Aerodrom. Kisela Voda reports that older buildings often lack fire extinguishers and have non-functional hydrant networks, while newer buildings generally have fewer issues.