Swiss cantons impose absolute fire bans amid high wildfire risk

Severe dryness across Switzerland has pushed fire danger to level 4 in most regions, prompting ten cantons to enact absolute bans on fireworks, lanterns and open fires. The canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden announced on 22 July that all fireworks, including rockets, small pyrotechnics and sky lanterns, are prohibited throughout the canton, and any fire‑starting near forests is forbidden. Grilling with charcoal, electric or gas devices remains allowed with caution, but violations can be fined from CHF 100, with damages potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of francs.

The federal Office for the Environment (BAFU), together with MeteoSwiss, reports that only the Oberengadin and Samnaun regions are exempt from the highest danger levels. The fire‑danger scale ranges from 1 (low) to 5 (very high); levels 4 and 5 trigger compulsory fire bans in forests and nearby areas. Police enforcement has been warned that breaches may result in penalties, and liability for any damage lies with the offender.