Firefighters completed the intervention at the building in Zlín, the burned-down property was handed over to the owner

Zlín - Today, the fire-damaged and partially collapsed building was handed over to the owner, the company Cream, which must remove the entire structure by December 15 of this year. Health and life-threatening parts of the building must be removed within six weeks. The handover of the building was confirmed today by Marcel Schmidt, the marketing and communications director of Cream.

Cream aims to sign a contract with a selected demolition company by the end of the week. "Ideally, heavy machinery should arrive next week; we are processing the necessary permits for transportation," Schmidt stated. The subsequent procedure will be determined by the chosen firm and a structural engineer, who will outline the demolition process. "We want to start as soon as possible," added Schmidt. The remainder of the burned structure will likely be gradually dismantled using large hydraulic scissors. Security measures previously implemented by the company remain in effect at the site, including fencing, lighting, cameras, and continuous security agency presence.

"The last professional firefighting unit that has been monitoring the site of the emergency has returned to its central station in Zlín. The drone service of the Zlín Region Fire Brigade, whose unmanned devices with thermal imaging technology have been a significant support in locating hidden hotspots and continuously monitoring the condition of the structure throughout the operation, has also concluded its activities," stated Javoříková.

Although firefighting activities at the site have ended today, the case is still under investigation. "Investigators from the Zlín Region Fire Brigade, along with the criminal police, continue to ascertain the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage," Javoříková reported. No injuries resulted from the fire. The police are investigating the fire for suspicion of committing the criminal offense of endangerment through negligence, and the potential perpetrator faces up to five years in prison.

Police spokesperson Monika Kozumplíková noted in today’s report that the investigation into the cause of the fire will take several months. "In this context, they are examining the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and actively seeking all available information that could lead to determining the cause of the fire. Several expert assessments from various fields will also be required. Given the extent of the fire, we expect the investigation into its cause to take several months. Due to the need to gather and verify all necessary materials, this process cannot be expedited," Kozumplíková stated.

Police will patrol the vicinity of the building until Tuesday morning. "The remains of the building are fenced off, and due to the ongoing danger of collapse, entry to it will continue to be prohibited. Police will monitor compliance with the ban at irregular intervals. If someone gains unauthorized access, they will be dealt with according to the law," Kozumplíková added.

The company Cream has its headquarters in the building. The structure housed primarily warehouses and offices. The fire started on the morning of July 9, most likely on the ninth floor in a shoe warehouse leased by the company Vasky. From there, the fire spread to other floors and to the roof. After the building collapsed in two places, approximately half of it remains standing.