Záhorie military district forest fire under control

A large forest fire broke out near the Military Technical Testing Institute (VTSÚ) in the Záhorie military district in Slovakia. The fire was reported following the conclusion of the Sahara Slovakia 2026 event. Emergency response efforts involved dozens of professional and volunteer firefighters, supported by helicopters including UH-60 Black Hawks from the Ministry of Defence and aircraft from Heli Company. Drones from Trenčín were also deployed for monitoring the site.

The Malacky District Office declared an extraordinary situation due to the fire. While efforts were made to control the spread and protect lives and property, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Separately, Slovak firefighters have been deployed to France to assist in combating extensive forest fires across the country, working in coordination with French authorities in difficult terrain.