(Kopie 3)
Forest fires occur mainly in very dry conditions. In the southern mountain cantons of Valais, southern Grisons and Ticino, uncontrolled fires are among the most significant natural hazards. However, with increasing and prolonged drought due to climate change, the risk is increasing throughout Switzerland. Most forest fires in this country are caused by humans.
Forest fires can endanger people and animals and destroy buildings, infrastructure and cultural assets. In Switzerland, however, they are more often a threat to the protective function of the forest. When forest fires destroy protective forests, entire villages or roads are sometimes no longer safe. Large fires can lead to further natural hazards, impair the utilisation and services of the forest and change the landscape.
Systematic recording
Warnings and systematic recording
In cooperation with the cantons, the federal government warns the authorities and the population of forest fires. All forest fires in Switzerland have been systematically recorded since 2008. On behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) maintains a forest fire database with over 10,000 incidents to date.
Effective measures
Effective measures
The federal government makes personal recommendations on how individuals should behave before, during and after a forest fire. The cantons on the northern side of the Alps benefit from the experience of the southern cantons and are preparing for an increasing risk of forest fires. In particular, good co-operation between the forestry services and the fire brigades is important. Examples of measures include
Ticino and Valais lead the way
On the southern side of the Alps, forest fire management has been in place for many years and is being continuously expanded. The cantons of Valais and Ticino are leading the way. In Ticino, in addition to a mountain fire brigade specialising in forest fires, there is also a Forest Fire 2020 concept, which was developed in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), among others. In addition to prevention, technical and organisational measures and extinguishing, this also includes post-fire management.
Cascade of natural hazards
![](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/0/csm_gefahr-sturzprozesse_1b43c398cb.jpg)
Falling processes
Burnt-down protective forests can no longer stop rockfalls.
![](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/9/csm_gefahr-rutschung_c8f9aa1a73.jpg)
Landslides
A lack of protective forests can lead to unstable slopes, which is why landslides often occur after forest fires.
![](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/e/csm_gefahr-lawinen_554018405b.jpg)
Avalanches
Depending on how it develops, a burnt forest can lose its protective function after a few years.