Firefighters Took Action 11 Times in Connection with Lye Leak at Bukoza Site

Bratislava, 4 March (TASR) - The Fire and Rescue Corps took action a total of 11 times in connection with the leak of black liquor at the Bukoza site in the village of Hencovce (Presov region), Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) informed his government colleagues on Wednesday. The minister explained that firefighters mainly carried out work related to the leakage of hazardous substances from technology. They placed containers, drained water from the sludge pond over the top of the dam, secured the dam body, and reinforced access roads to the sludge pond. Sutaj Estok further stated that the police are conducting three criminal proceedings related to environmental crime and water protection violations. "At the same time, there's been a significant increase in property crime on the company's premises. In 2025, 159 property offences were recorded, and in 2026, 86 offences had been recorded by 27 February. The situation represents a long-term personnel and organisational burden for the Police Corps," he noted. Although, according to him, the situation had stabilised as of 27 February, An increased risk of further incidents and events involving the release of hazardous substances remains. "The emergency remains in effect due to the continuing risks," added the minister. am/df