Switzerland might have been hit by storms and downpours recently but one part of the country is on high alert over the risk of wildfires. The public have been warned to be vigilant.
With temperatures due to rise and strong winds forecast authorities in the francophone canton of Valais are warning the public to be alert for forest fires ahead of Swiss National Day on Thursday.
“There is a particular risk in the Rhône plain, between Sion and Brig, where rising temperatures are accentuating the drying out of soil and vegetation. The regions of the St. Nicholas and Saas-Fee valleys, which have received little rain in recent weeks, are also affected,” Valais authorities said in a press release on Wednesday.
In these two regions, the fire risk is level 4 (high) on a scale of five, while it is level 3 (significant) or even 2 (limited) in the rest of the canton (see map below).
Where in Switzerland is on alert for wildfires. Image: The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
Some municipalities in the cantons have issued fire bans.
Authorities have stressed that these bans must be strictly observed, as must the designated locations for the use of fireworks for the National Day celebrations on Thursday.
“Even in the absence of a general fire ban in the canton, lighting fireworks in and near forests remains prohibited in areas where there is a high or very high fire danger (levels 4 and 5).”
They also stress it is prohibited to throw cigarette butts or matches in the open air.
