Persistent drought raises fears of the departure of fires in Valais and the precipitation announced in the coming days should not be enough to dismiss the danger. As a result, the canton decreed this Tuesday a general ban on lighting outdoor lights.
“After a very dry spring, a significant drought situation settled in Valais, aggravated by a strong heat wave during the first half of August 2025 (…) The end of the wavewater expected this week and the few expected precipitation will not improve the general situation,” said the canton of Valais in a press release.
This is why the authorities have declared a complete ban on lighting fires throughout the territory. The grills remain tolerated only in private spaces in residential areas and under the responsibility of the person who lights the installation. The grills must then be placed on a non -flammable concrete or stone base and beings located at least ten meters of an flammable plant surface.
Short -term rains without influence
According to the canton, the situation can only improve in the case of persistent rain of at least three days and more than 30 mm/m2. Short -lasting rains and thunderstorms only very little influence the current danger situation. The population is requested to follow the instructions of the authorities and alarm 118 in the event of a fire.
The Confederation issued a level 5 out of 5 fire danger alert for part of Valais, especially between Sierre and Sion, in part of the Val d’Anniviers and in the SaaS and Zermatt valleys. This means that fires can be declared at any time and quickly gain a large scale.
The rest of the canton of Valais is placed on level 4 out of 5 alert, which is strong, with the exception of the southwest of the canton. The rest of French -speaking Switzerland is on level 3 alert, is marked.
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