United for Nature: Safeguarding Galicica’s Biodiversity from Wildfire

On the 5th of August 2024, during a summer marked by heat waves and prolonged dry conditions, a wildfire broke out on Galicica Mountain at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters above sea level. The fire started in the strictly protected zone of the Galicica National Park; a hotspot of biodiversity and a vital component of life in the Ohrid – Prespa region. The Park is of immeasurable local, regional, and national importance.

Immediately after the wildfire was detected, the Ohrid Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service and the Patagonia Alpine Club mobilised to join the efforts to deal with the blaze. The members of the two organisations consider Galicica Mountain as their second home and even though their primary activities do not include dealing with forest fires, they could not remain passive while the fire devastated the precious natural landscape. All of the resources of the Ohrid Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service were deployed to support the firefighting efforts. Its members provided direct assistance as well as logistical support: they took part in fighting the fire, transported people and equipment, and distributed food and drinks to the people in the field.

The members of the Ohrid Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service and of the Patagonia Alpine Club joined forces with employees of the Public Institution Galicica National Park, the Crises Management Centre, the Protection and Rescue Directorate, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, Pelister National Park, Ezerani Nature Park, Monument of Nature Vevcani Springs, and members of the Macedonian Ecological Society, professional and volunteer firefighters, and citizen volunteers from Ohrid and Resen.

The fire was active until the 1st of September and during that time, teams of professionals and volunteers worked continuously and tirelessly to contain it. Working closely together, the teams managed to prevent the fire from speeding to the lower parts of the beautiful Galicica forest. The Spiridon Mountain Hut served as a base of operations, a place where the activities were coordinated, and where the teams stayed and rested.

The local community, aware of the gravity of the situation of Galicica and the dedication of those participating in dealing with it, sent messages of support. Moreover, immediately after the Ohrid Red Cross posted on social media that food and drinks for the teams working on Galicica were needed, citizens of Ohrid as well as tourists donated the required products. Ohrid Red Cross then transported the donated products to Galicica. In addition, when the number of people involved in the firefighting effort increased, Ohrid Red Cross stationed a medical team and an ambulance vehicle at the Spirdon Mountain Hut.

By: Ohrid Red Cross