The Canton of Zürich has imposed an immediate fire ban in and around all forests, effective from noon on Friday, 26 June 2026, as prolonged drought pushes the forest fire risk to level 4 out of 5, the second highest on the national scale. The ban covers open fires of any kind within forests, and up to 50 metres from the forest edge, and violators face criminal prosecution.
The ban comes as Switzerland swelters through an intense heatwave, with temperatures this week reaching record-threatening levels across the country and rainfall remaining scarce across most of the Mittelland and the pre-Alpine regions.
Forest Fire Risk: What Is Banned
Within forests and within a 50-metre buffer zone from the forest edge, the following are prohibited until further notice:
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Lighting fires of any kind
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Discarding burning or glowing material, including cigarettes and matches
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Use of official, designated fire pits and fire places in and around forest huts
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Use of charcoal grills
The prohibition applies expressly even to fire pits that are officially designated and normally approved for use.
What Is Permitted, With Caution
Gas and electric grills are exempt from the ban in and near forests, provided they are always placed on a stable, fireproof surface such as a paved area, to prevent tipping and accidental ignition of dry vegetation.
In residential areas (gardens, allotments and patios) where the forest edge is more than 50 metres away, the ban does not apply. However, the cantonal authorities urge great caution and set out the following precautions:
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Do not discard burning cigarettes or matches
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Never leave a barbecue fire unattended; extinguish it immediately if sparks fly
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Extinguish the fire completely before leaving
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Do not dispose of barbecue ash carelessly
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Do not light any agricultural clearing fires
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Avoid all outdoor fires in windy conditions
When Will the Ban Be Lifted?
The fire ban remains in force until further notice. Authorities will only lift the ban following substantial and widespread rainfall across the canton. Given the current forecast, with the heatwave expected to continue through the weekend before only gradually easing next week, the ban is likely to remain in place for some time.
Violations of the fire ban are subject to criminal prosecution under cantonal law.
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