Slovak Firefighters Putting Out Fires in Albania in Difficult Conditions

Bratislava/Tirana, 12 August (TASR) - Tackling fires in Albania, Slovak firefighters dropped 30 Bambi buckets amidst difficult conditions on Monday (11 August), the Fire and Rescue Corps (HaZZ) posted on a social network on Tuesday, adding that operations are being hampered by high temperatures, strong and shifting winds, and the accessibility of bodies of water and helicopter fuel. On Tuesday, firefighters have been deployed near the villages of Lekel and Hormove, in particular to protect local residents and their property. Slovak and Czech teams are operating alongside Croats using a Canadair aircraft, and alongside Albanians with two UH-60 helicopters currently deployed in a different area. The Slovak and Czech ambassadors plan to visit the Slovak HaZZ members on Tuesday evening to express their support. On Sunday (10 August), HaZZ announced that Slovakia had been asked to help fight fires in Albania, adding that a Black Hawk helicopter with a Slovak crew had departed on the same day. jrg/df/am