site.btaKriva Palanka Wildfire Update: No Immediate Threat, but Reignition Possible

The town of Kriva Palanka in North Macedonia is no longer under immediate threat from a wildfire which broke out around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, but strong winds continue to pose a risk of reignition, Ognyan Atanasov, Mayor of Kyustendil in Southwestern Bulgaria, said on Wednesday evening.

A fire engine from Kyustendil with four firefighters was dispatched to the scene. “Our lads are heroes, they managed to provide timely help,” Atanasov commented. He noted that the Mayor of Kriva Palanka had called him to request assistance.

Unfortunately, an elderly man has died in the fire. He was found in his garden, Atanasov added. A second fire engine from Sofia was sent to the area.

Kriva Palanka is located about 20 km from the border with Bulgaria, across from Gyueshevo, Kyustendil Municipality.