UXO Threatens Firefighters Efforts

Macedonia  Firefighters busy fighting close to 20 large fires raging at various locations around the country have been hampered in part by WWI era UXO. At the fire near the town of Bitola, firefighters reported hearing several explosions which were thought to be from exploding WWI munitions. The Bitola fire which was responsible for one death and several homes being destroyed was eventually extinguished.

The fires have been sparked it part by severe dry conditions caused by a heat wave. President Branko Crvenkovski has ordered army units to assist firefighters in their efforts and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski reportedly requested help from countries including Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Austria. Authorities are concerned over the potential for other UXO to detonate from the fires given the history of munitions use in various parts of the country. Firefighters are reportedly proceeding with caution in areas known or suspected to contain UXO.