Defence Ministry: Fire Breaks Out Near Senica After Sahara Slovakia 2026 Event

Senica/Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) - A vegetation fire was reported in the Zahorie Military District near Senica (Trnava region) after Saturday's programme of the Sahara Slovakia 2026 event ended. An intensive firefighting operation is underway to bring the blaze under control as quickly as possible and prevent it from spreading further, Defence Ministry spokesman Michal Bachraty told TASR on Saturday. Dozens of firefighters and a helicopter are currently involved in the operation. The Defence Ministry is deploying additional available resources, with Black Hawk helicopters heading to the area, Bachraty added. "Currently, 21 members of the Firefighter and Rescue Corps with eight vehicles, along with 72 members of volunteer fire brigades with 21 pieces of equipment have been involved in the call-out," the spokesperson said. "A helicopter operated by Heli Company is assisting the units from the air, while a drone from Trencin has also been deployed to monitor the fire site." According to Bachraty, the Defence Ministry is providing maximum support to the units involved in the operation. "The absolute priority at this moment is to bring the fire under control, prevent it from spreading further, and protect lives, health and property," he said, adding that it would be premature to determine the cause of the fire at this stage. The circumstances surrounding its outbreak will be subject to further investigation. mf