Czech President Pavel Offers Help in Restoration after Fire in Banska Stiavnica

Bratislava, March 19 (TASR) - Czech President Petr Pavel offered help in restoring the destroyed and damaged monuments after Saturday's (March 18) fire in Banska Stiavnica (Banska Bystrica region), TASR was told by Slovak head of state Zuzana Caputova, who talked to Pavel on the phone on Sunday. "He [Pavel] mainly offered professional restoration capacities. I really appreciate this manifestation of solidarity," she posted on a social network. Caputova also thanked everyone who helped put out the fire on Saturday, praising the the work of professional and volunteer firefighters, members of the armed forces and rescuers. She also highlighted the togetherness of Stiavnica residents, tourists and volunteers from the wider area. The head of state believes that Banska Stiavnica will be restored to its original shape before the fire as soon as possible. The fire broke out on Saturday morning (March 18) in a historical building in the centre of Banska Stiavnica, one of Slovakia's UNESCO towns. It gradually expanded and damaged seven buildings. The firefighters have already managed to extinguish the fire. am