Firefighters Conclude Zlín Warehouse Fire Operation; Owner Must Demolish Building

Czech firefighters have officially ended their operation at a major warehouse fire in Zlín, which broke out on July 9th. After nearly three weeks of battling the blaze and monitoring the site, the fire service has handed the premises back to the building's owner. The fire, which consumed over 70,000 pairs of shoes stored in the Vasky company's facility, caused significant structural damage.

According to Zdeněk Otrusina, the operation commander, the owner is now responsible for demolishing the partially collapsed building. The fire reportedly started on the ninth floor of the high-rise building. Initial evacuations included around one hundred people, with further precautionary measures leading to the temporary relocation of residents and officials from surrounding buildings, including the regional office, tax office, and a library.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the main fire on July 22nd but continued to monitor the site using drone technology equipped with thermal imaging. The last professional unit departed on Monday. The investigation into the fire's origin is expected to be lengthy, potentially lasting several months, as investigators examine the scene, interview witnesses, and await expert assessments.

Zlín's municipal website confirmed that the building's remaining structure must be demolished immediately. The owner, Cream company, has been given a deadline of December 15th for the full demolition, with hazardous sections requiring removal within six weeks of the official order. The fire caused the gradual collapse of two sections of the building, which housed not only shoe, clothing, and print material storage but also offices for various companies.

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Criminal investigators have inspected the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and are continuing to gather all available information that could lead to determining the cause of the fire. Several expert opinions from various fields will also be required.