Long-term drought and high temperatures have resulted in a ban on entering Slovak forests for the first time in the country's history. However, people can still walk along tourist trails.
The ban is the Agriculture Ministry's response to numerous fires threatening forests countrywide. "I hope the people will understand that the situation is very serious," Milan Fischer of the Agriculture Ministry said.
Foresters do not think that the ban will prevent further fires. Around Slovakia, 4,000 guards will keep ensure that that ban is observed.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
