Prohibition of fire now also in Central Switzerland and Schaffhausen

Not only in Graubünden, but also in the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Ob- and Nidwalden and Schaffhausen, it is forbidden fire the forest. (Image: KEYSTONE / GIAN EHRENZELLER)

(nda)

Barbecues and firecrackers are allowed only in Central Switzerland, at a minimum distance of 200 meters from the forest, as well as says the cantons. The current drought has led to an increased risk of fire in forests and grasslands.

Until its revocation, it is therefore forbidden to light fires in the forests and near the forest, to burn fireworks, to raise lanterns and to discard tobacco. The relaxation of the situation of danger must be expected at the earliest after a phase of intensive rain of two days, it was said later. Short thunderstorms were not able to remedy the situation.

Schaffhausen also banned wildfires on Wednesday, and fireworks are also prohibited near forests and in unbuilt areas, such as fields. Authorized is the fireworks of August 1st so only on built-up places. The famous fireworks of Rheinfall of July 31 can be executed, written the canton

Level of danger large to very large

Due to the drought of the last weeks, the danger of forest fire is important . In Valais, Ticino and part of eastern and central Switzerland, the level of danger is "important" (4 out of 5) and sometimes even "very big" in Valais (5), as shown in the federal portal natural hazards. Even in the Central Plateau, the risk of forest fire is described as "significant".

The fire bans in the forest and near the forest therefore already apply to the cantons of Graubünden, Thurgau and St. Gallen as well as to the Principality of Liechtenstein. In Ticino, in Valais and in the southern valleys of Graubünden, an absolute ban on open fires also applies. Almost all other cantons require special care in case of fire.