Advertisement

Fireworks ban due to fire risk in Tyrol

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Fireworks ban due to fire risk in Tyrol
Photo: Paul Gillingwater

The lack of rain and snow in the Alpine countries is not just affecting winter tourism, it has also meant restrictions and even bans across Switzerland and Austria on the use of fireworks because of the risk of forest fires.

Advertisement

In some parts of Switzerland and Austria, such as the southern Austrian province of Tyrol, there is a complete ban on any fireworks anywhere including city centres through to community firework displays.

And in other areas like Salzburg, fireworks are only allowed to be used with special permission. In Switzerland the restrictions include a ban anywhere other than built-up areas and in snow covered regions such as glacier fields or mountaintops. The famous Saint Moritz New Year's Eve fireworks display is also one of those to be cancelled in Switzerland.

Experts warn that the extremely dry grass and woodland could quickly turn into a raging fire despite the cold weather.

The ban on fireworks is another hit for ski resorts already struggling from the lack of snow to attract visitors, and now for those unable to ski because of the lack of snow to learn that they will also have to give up on their New Year fireworks is a further dampener on the holiday spirit.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also