WASHINGTON, D.C.—The USDA Forest Service International Programs Office recently concluded a 12-day wildfire engagement in North Macedonia aimed at bolstering the country’s wildfire preparedness and response capabilities, with a focus on protecting Shar Mountain National Park and its surrounding communities. The engagement included a Fire Management Plan consultation and week-long wildfire training with key personnel from Shar Mountain National Park and representatives from emergency management agencies in North Macedonia.

Shar Mountain National Park straddles northeastern Albania and northwestern North Macedonia. Its stunning alpine landscape holds rich biodiversity, and it harbors hydrological features of public interest.

With climate change, alpine environments like Shar Mountain National Park are increasingly vulnerable to wildfire, which endangers both the park and the surrounding communities.

In response to these challenges, the Forest Service partnered with the park to bolster its management plan to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires safely and effectively. The U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance is funding this technical support.

Kyle Yurkovich, a fire prevention officer from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, served as an instructor during the engagement. He drew on experience from his home unit, where he leads Smokey Bear campaigns, manages public relations and supports fuels reduction work to support the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. His background in fire management, experience working with government partners and non-governmental organizations, and enthusiasm for this work made him a valuable asset.

Reflecting on his experience, Yurkovich noted the many challenges that the U.S. and North Macedonia have in common, saying, “It is a lot of the same problems that our agency deals with.”

Yurkovich was particularly energized by his interactions with the leadership at Shar Mountain National Park. The newly designated park is embarking on numerous new projects, ranging from eco-tourism to wildfire response. While the focus of this engagement was on wildfire, the Forest Service recognizes the potential for broader partnership in the future. The leadership team at Shar is passionate about the park, land stewardship and protecting the national heritage of North Macedonia.

“The hardest thing to teach someone is to care, and they have that. Everything else will fall into place,” said Yurkovich.