Swiss forest fire prevention works, but luck also plays a role

While severe forest fires have hit France and Spain this summer, and large fires have also affected Germany and Belgium, Switzerland has so far largely been spared. The result reflects years of prevention work, Boris Pezzatti, a forest fire researcher at the Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, told SRF.

Switzerland differs from many other countries through its well-developed system for detecting danger at an early stage. The federal Ignis platform assesses the current forest fire risk every day. Authorities use the data to impose fire bans, inform the public and alert firefighting teams.

This allows crews to be ready and intervene immediately when a fire is reported, helping keep it small, Pezzatti said. Cantons such as Ticino, Graubünden and Valais have long experience with forest fires. North of the Alps, the hot summer of 2003 showed that forest fires could also become a reality in northern Switzerland. Since then, those cantons have addressed the issue with federal support.

Switzerland also learns from countries to the south. The canton of Ticino regularly trains its specialists together with experts from the Mediterranean region. Foresters and firefighting teams must keep their knowledge up to date as the risk of forest fires increases.

Switzerland also benefits from its geography. Steep slopes make firefighting more difficult, especially when a fire spreads across a mountainside or reaches the tree crowns. At the same time, the topography protects settlements and infrastructure. Most fires develop away from populated areas, while mountain ridges can act as natural firebreaks.

This summer has shown the value of daily risk assessments, clear communication with the public and rapid firefighting readiness. Public behaviour has also played a role. Much can be achieved through prevention, Pezzatti said, because people cause most forest fires.

Greater challenges lie ahead. The research institute is currently observing extensive yellowing of forests, a sign of drought stress. Next spring, satellite images and aerial surveys will be used to assess which trees recover and which have suffered lasting damage. The findings will help make forests more resilient and reduce the risk of fires.

There is still a residual risk. Switzerland experienced isolated fires this summer, caused by lightning or agricultural activity, but none got out of control. Good preparation, favourable topography and some luck have so far protected the country. Pezzatti warned that prevention can never prevent every forest fire.