North Macedonia has begun preparations for the summer wildfire season by activating a special plan to engage former members of the Police, the Army, and firefighting units in order to strengthen operational capacities on the ground.

The Directorate for Protection and Rescue has announced a public call for the recruitment of individuals with experience in the security and emergency services sectors, who will assist in combating forest fires and wildfires in open areas during the summer months.

Under the plan, the recruited personnel will serve as drivers of specialized firefighting vehicles, operators of firefighting pumps, and members of field intervention teams. Specialized vehicles will also be deployed, including former military equipment adapted for firefighting operations.

The head of the institution, Stojançe Angelov, called on former service members to join the initiative.

“Come, help, and earn €2,150 for three months during the summer by taking part in extinguishing fires in open areas that we are expected to face. Working hours will be adjusted according to the needs of firefighting operations,” Angelov said.

Authorities are seeking candidates with at least five years of experience in the Police, the Army, or firefighting units, regardless of whether they are currently retired or no longer employed by these institutions.

According to the announced criteria, candidates must be in good physical and health condition to participate in field intervention operations.

“For three months of engagement during the summer, participants will receive 132,000 denars net, while retirees will continue to receive their pensions,” Angelov added.

The initiative comes after several difficult wildfire seasons in the country, during which high temperatures and prolonged periods of drought significantly increased the risk of fire outbreaks and their spread. As a result, authorities are strengthening preventive and operational capacities ahead of this year’s summer season.