A significant border crossing between Greece and North Macedonia, frequented by tourists, was closed on Wednesday due to nearby fires, according to officials. The North Macedonia Ministry of the Interior confirmed the closure of the crossing between Bogorodica and Greece's Evzoni. This crossing is popular among tourists traveling to Greece by car, with up to 20,000 people crossing this border section daily during the summer peak season, as reported by North Macedonia police.
The ministry urged citizens to avoid driving towards the border until the fire is extinguished and traffic is normalized. The Greek fire department mobilized 39 firefighters, 12 fire engines, and one helicopter to combat the blaze. Local media reported heavy smoke in the area, with numerous cars apparently stranded on the North Macedonia side.
North Macedonia has faced a series of wildfires in the past week, with authorities struggling to control the fires amid a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. During an emergency government session over the weekend, North Macedonia lawmakers declared a crisis situation due to the increased occurrence of wildfires. A state of crisis is proclaimed when the public and property face serious risks or dangers, requiring significant government resources. The government also approved the deployment of police and army to fight the fires.
On Monday, officials prohibited residents from entering the country's vast forests and mountainous areas. Experts attribute the more frequent and intense wildfires and other natural disasters, including heatwaves, to human-driven climate change.
