Fire destroys Vasky's central shoe warehouse in Zlín, Czechia

A major fire broke out on Thursday at the central warehouse of the shoe company Vasky in Zlín, located in a former Baťa production complex. Firefighters declared the highest alert level, and part of the building collapsed during the day. According to available information, no one was injured.

Company founder Václav Staněk said the warehouse held around 75,000 pairs of shoes, as well as clothing and accessories from the Vasky and Botas brands. It is the firm's only central warehouse, which makes the loss especially painful for the business.

“We don't yet know the cause or the extent of the damage. As far as we know, everyone is fine, and that's what matters most,” the company said. Firefighters confirmed that no one was inside the building at the moment it collapsed.

Police and fire services are investigating the cause of the blaze. Because of the thick smoke, the city advised residents of nearby areas to limit ventilating their homes. For Vasky, which specializes in handmade leather shoes, losing its only warehouse complex could seriously complicate future operations and supply logistics.