Macedonia governmental restrictions

Macedonia has suffered badly this year from forest fires. As a result, the Government has placed strict restrictions on movement in and around the mountains.

Forest fires

Macedonia has been gripped by an intense heatwave with numerous days over 40°C. This has resulted in 3 major forest fires. One in the south on the Greek border, one in the west on the Serbian border and one just to the east of Skopje. Fortunately, they are mostly under control now with a number of neighbouring countries providing aid.

The fires have predominantly been in the pine forests and away from open the open mountains where the Juniper bushes are located. Although some Juniper bushes may have been lost or damaged, it is lucky the situation is not worse (for Juniper). One issue we will be monitoring closely is the possibility of smoke taint.

Understandably, the Government has put in place very strict restrictions for access to the forests and surrounding areas with large fines and prison sentences if you are caught. The police are also stopping cars from entering the hills with many being turned away if there is no good reason to be there. Many locals/residents of the hills have also joined in preventing access to ‘visitors’ in an attempt to protect the area.