From today, a total ban on lighting fires in the open air and setting off fireworks is in place in the canton of Valais.
Authorities say that tinder-dry conditions mean that there is a ‘very high danger’ of wildfires, highlighted by the on-going devastating forest fire in Upper Valais.
Barbecues however will be ‘tolerated’ in private spaces, under certain conditions.
A distinct lack of rainfall since mid-May along with very high temperatures and relatively strong winds has dried out the ground, leading to grave concerns of wildfires taking hold, in particular in forests, meadows, scrub and wasteland. Rain isn’t expected over the next few days in the region, indeed not for the foreseeable future.
Rules around barbecues have been tightened, only being allowed if grills are placed on a non-flammable base and at a good distance from any vegetation or areas that could go up in flames.
Not surprisingly, fireworks have been banned and cantonal police say that any authorisations for the sale and setting off of fireworks issued to date are revoked. Heavy penalties will be handed out to anyone who doesn’t strictly adhere to the new rules.
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