Swiss cantons ban fireworks ahead of National Day as drought fuels forest fire risk

Bans sweep across cantons

Multiple Swiss cantons have imposed firework and open-fire bans ahead of the August 1 National Day, citing persistent drought and high forest-fire danger. In Schaffhausen, the large "Fire on the Rocks" display at the Rhine Falls on July 31 was denied an exception, and the Neuhausen am Rheinfall community council cancelled its traditional bonfire on the Galgenbuck. The canton extended the ban to the entire territory, including the holiday itself. Appenzell Ausserrhoden tightened its rules on July 29 at noon, prohibiting all outdoor fires, fireworks, sky lanterns and candle lanterns across the whole canton; the fire danger level there remains at 4, meaning "great danger", despite isolated rainfall. Only gas and electric grills in settlement areas remain permitted. St. Gallen has an absolute fire ban, while Thurgau prohibits fires within 200 metres of the forest edge. In Valais, the sale of all fireworks was banned this week.

Economic blow to sellers

The restrictions are hitting fireworks retailers during their peak season. In Bern, the Stärnehimu shop closed "until further notice" after the cantonal ban. Co-manager Linda Feller said customers had been cautious since June, with sales down up to 30 percent compared to the previous year. Sales before August 1 account for one-third of annual revenue, she noted.

People held off on buying.

Pyro Willen in Frutigen, which supplies large retailers and private customers, expects a 40 percent drop in revenue. Managing director Thomas Willen said the direct impact is cushioned because this year's goods had already been delivered.

Apart from our direct sales, this year's goods are already with the customers. Now the retailers' warehouses will probably remain well stocked, so they will order less from us in 2027.

Some sellers face even steeper losses, with one report citing revenue declines of up to 95 percent.

Public mood shifts against fireworks

A Blick survey of over 3,000 readers found that 62 percent want an end to fireworks, while 17 percent would allow them only at large organised events. Just 16 percent wish to keep the tradition, and 5 percent are indifferent. The results reflect a broader debate that has intensified with this year's drought. A parliamentary counter-proposal to the fireworks initiative was overturned at the last minute, leaving current rules unchanged.

Reader comments echoed the survey. Reto Monte wrote that it would be "the best August 1 for animals and the environment," adding that bangers were never a Swiss tradition. Former firefighter Vera Kronenberg warned of the dangers.

As a former firefighter, I know what fires can do, and we don't want to experience the scenes currently happening in neighbouring countries here.

She argued that celebrations can be joyful without fire or noise. Another reader, Hans Meier, called the noise "completely senseless banging" and urged a full ban.

What remains allowed

Despite the sweeping prohibitions, some activities are still permitted. In Schaffhausen, fixed fireplaces and gas or electric grills in settlement areas may be used if constantly supervised and extinguished before leaving. Appenzell Ausserrhoden allows only gas and electric grills in built-up zones. Innerrhoden permits fires at existing fireplaces and all grill types outside forests and beyond a 200-metre buffer. The bans remain in force until further notice; authorities say only prolonged, intensive rainfall would bring relief. Violations can result in fines, with penalties of up to 20,000 francs for lighting fireworks in forests.