Danger of fires now widespread in Slovakia

An increased danger of fires is now widespread throughout most of Slovakia. The Ministry of the Interior has drawn attention to this and has called on people to be responsible and to respect the bans. Interior Minister Roman Mikulec (OĽANO) pointed out that in the short period from the beginning of July until Wednesday, firefighters intervened in 67 fires in forests and logging yards. Helicopters from the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Defense have also helped with firefighting in difficult-to-reach terrain. In times of increased fire danger, which are declared by individual fire district directorates, it is forbidden in those designated places to smoke or to use an open flame (matches, lighters, stoves, etc.), as well as to burn vegetation, bushes or trees, or light an open fire in areas or places where a larger fire may start or spread. It is also forbidden to burn flammable substances in the open space at this time. Stiff fines can be issued to people who violate these regulations. The Ministry added that some districts have also issued bans on the use of forests by the public due to the risk of fires.