Lessons learned in fire management and crisis analysis in Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

There are different types of reasons for causing a crisis, and they can be grouped as social, technological and biological, resulting in large material damage or human casualties. Crisis situations are situations that threaten national security and have an impact on human life, the environment and material goods. Due to the volume and dynamics of the events, which are of huge proportions, with a great risk and threat to security in general, many competent authorities are involved in the activities to deal with crisis situations. Most often, in addition to regular services, all available resources are activated, and in certain cases, international aid and support.

In the conditions of forest fires in the country in 2021, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia decided to declare a state of crisis, due to the need for coordinated action of all competent institutions and rational use of national resources. The fact that in crisis conditions the forces of the Army can be engaged to effectively manage the situation is particularly significant.

The paper analyzes several aspects of the occurrence of forest fires, but a special aspect is placed on the criminal investigations for the perpetrators of the crime of setting a forest fire. Also, the author reviews the lessons learned about the functionality of the system for crisis management and protection and rescue.