Switzerland has seen record-breaking temperatures for weeks in June. More than 37 degrees north of the Alps for the first time since 1947. And with the drought comes fire restrictions, which are perfectly normal here, although many newcomers discover it only when they see the news in the newspaper.
Since last week, the Valais has a general ban on lighting fires outdoors. BBQs are only allowed in private spaces in urban areas, with the appliance placed on a non-flammable surface and sufficiently away from vegetation. No bonfires, no outdoor dinners with firewood, no burning in the garden. Neuchâtel has taken similar measures: total prohibition in forest and less than 50 meters from the forest limit, and barbecues only in authorized fixed facilities.
The difference with Spain is that in Switzerland the restriction can be activated at the cantonal level in a matter of hours, without too much public notice. And it varies a lot: what is allowed in Zurich today may be prohibited in the Valais as of last Thursday. The reference portal for checking the fire hazard level in real time is waldschutz.ch, which updates the map by cantons. Level 4 means almost total restriction. Level 5, absolute prohibition.
What to remember: Before turning on anything outdoors this summer, check your canton's risk level. If there is a fire and you have not respected the current restriction, the consequences go well beyond the fine.