Swiss cantons impose expanded fire bans as drought persists

On 24 July 2026, the Standeskommission of Appenzell Innerrhoden issued a canton‑wide fire prohibition covering forests and any area up to 200 m from forested land. The order also bans fireworks, height fires and sky lanterns throughout the canton and remains in force until formally withdrawn. Violations are subject to fines, and fires are still permitted only at established fire pits and must be continuously supervised.

The government of the canton of Bern simultaneously extended its existing forest fire ban to the whole canton, requiring a minimum 50‑metre buffer from forests. Bern also introduced a general ban on all pyrotechnic devices, including small firecrackers and rockets, as well as sky lanterns and height fires, even on the national holiday of 1 August. Fires are allowed on lakes and in designated sites, with authorities urging caution. The measures will be reviewed by the forest and natural‑hazard office on 6 August 2026.

Both cantons cited ongoing dry conditions and an upcoming heat wave, assigning a hazard level 4 (“gross”) and aiming to prevent forest fires.