Stricter rules have been introduced across the whole canton to prevent the risk of fire.
Despite the rainfall over the last few days, the fire risk situation remains extremely critical in Valais due to repeated heatwaves and the accumulated rainfall deficit since the start of the year. This is confirmed by the rising number of call-outs to tackle fires. The Canton of Valais therefore reminds the public of the general ban on lighting fires and urges them to remain vigilant in the face of this danger.
The general ban also applies to all ‘fireworks’ devices, regardless of their category or size. Even ‘volcano’-type devices are not permitted during the 1 August celebrations.
Given the current situation, the Canton of Valais wishes to emphasise that conditions will remain critical until there has been continuous rainfall over several days. Brief showers and thunderstorms are not sufficient to significantly reduce the level of danger. The public are urged to exercise the utmost vigilance and to do everything possible to protect forests, meadows, mountain pastures and residential areas.
Any sighting of a fire or suspicious smoke must be reported immediately to the cantonal emergency and response centre on 118.
Guidelines and recommendations on how to behave, as well as the latest information on the forest fire risk, are available on the government website: www.vs.ch/fr/web/sfnp/incendi.
We would be grateful if you could take this information on board for the safety of everyone.
