Switzerland: Cantons partially ease outdoor fire bans

Several Swiss cantons are partially easing outdoor fire restrictions following recent rainfall, though forest fire risks remain elevated.

In Neuchâtel, including the Val-de-Travers region, ground fires are permitted again across the territory. However, a ban remains in effect for forests, wooded pastures, and a 50-meter buffer zone around them. Only fixed fire pits that do not touch the ground are allowed in these areas. The fire risk level remains at degree 3 due to dry soil layers beneath the surface.

In Lucerne, the forest fire danger has been downgraded from very high to high. While absolute bans in open areas have been reduced, an absolute ban on fires in forests and within 50 meters of forest edges remains. Charcoal grills are prohibited in unpaved areas due to spark risks, though gas grills and garden charcoal grills are permitted if they maintain the required distance from forests.

Solothurn has also downgraded its forest fire danger level from 5 to 4. This change allows for fires within residential areas, but the ban on fires in forests, near forest edges, and along river or lake banks remains strictly in place.