Police investigate fire at former Baťa complex in Zlín as criminal offence
Flames engulfed an eleven-storey building number 34 in the complex of the former Svit factory. The fire has been burning for five days, and the rubble continues to emit extreme heat. Damage is expected to exceed hundreds of millions of crowns.
Police investigate fire at former Baťa complex in Zlín as criminal offence
An eleven-storey building number 34 in the complex of the former Baťa factories in Zlín caught fire on Thursday, 9 July in the morning. The point of origin of the flames was apparently on the ninth floor, where the Vasky company had a shoe warehouse. From there, the fire spread to other floors and onto the roof. The building subsequently collapsed in two places, with approximately half of it remaining standing.
Five days after the outbreak, firefighters are still dealing with the aftermath. Extreme temperatures in the rubble are preventing the site from being handed over to its owner, the Cream Group company. Six units are operating at the scene, continuously spraying the debris with water pumped from the Dřevnice river. As a result, Hlavničkovo embankment remains closed. Neighbouring streets have been partially reopened, but Vavrečkova and Sedmdesátá remain impassable.
Police are investigating the case as suspected criminal negligence endangering the public. If guilt is proven, the perpetrator faces up to five years in prison. According to the spokesman for the regional fire service, Lucie Javoříková, determining the causes of the fire will be the subject of investigation for several months.
"We are appealing to the public for help in establishing the causes. Photographs and recordings capturing the situation immediately before the fire started or its first signs would be of most help to us," Javoříková said. Witnesses can call 950 670 313 or write to [email protected].
The extent of the damage has not yet been quantified, but it is expected to reach hundreds of millions of crowns. The Vasky company warehouse contained approximately 75,000 pairs of shoes, clothing and accessories valued at 150 to 180 million crowns. The Alpine Pro company, supplier to the Czech Olympic team, had goods stored in the building exceeding half a billion crowns. The logistics company Zásilkovna lost approximately 9,000 parcels. The fire also affected carbon wheel manufacturer Equator Cycling and retailer Sportisimo.
No one was injured during the emergency response.
Source: Novinky.cz