Fireworks banned as dry weather continues
A ban on fireworks in many parts of the country looks set to dampen Switzerland's National Day celebrations on August 1.
French-speaking regions are most affected by the ban which has been imposed because of a lack of rainfall this summer.
Grand firework displays lie at the heart of the National Day festivities which also include farm brunches and the traditional gathering at the Rütli meadow in canton Uri – considered the cradle of the Swiss Confederation
Despite a burst of thunderstorms at the weekend, French-speaking Switzerland and the Italian-speaking region of Ticino remain very dry.
Months of scorching temperatures and little precipitation have led to drought conditions.
The eight cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Valais, Jura, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Ticino and Graubünden have said they will not lift the ban. People in these regions will be allowed to light bonfires
A traditional fireworks festival over Lake Geneva will go ahead; rockets will be launched from a barge and synchronised to music.
No displays
But the rest of the canton faces a general ban on all fireworks and professional fireworks displays, according to Philippe Wassmeier, head of security in Geneva.
The cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Valais have followed Geneva’s lead and also restricted the launch of fireworks to lake barges.
The town of Martigny remains an exception where fireworks will be launched over land: it is home to the Swiss president, Pascal Couchepin.
However, German-speaking cantons such as Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Aargau, Basel City and Uri have eased restrictions for August 1 following heavy rainfall in recent days.
Other Swiss-German cantons such as Basel Country, Bern and Zurich, have left it up to local communities to decide whether to ban fireworks.
Authorities across Switzerland have called for extreme caution. Citing the havoc caused by fires in southern France, they are highlighting the risks and dangers of pyrotechnic displays.
Sales hit
Sales of fireworks have plummeted as a result of the ban. The Swiss spend around SFr200 million ($147 million) on fireworks each year.
“This year is going to be very difficult because we have taken fireworks off the shelves in places where they are banned,” said Charles Weisskopf, spokesman for Swiss retail heavyweight Coop.
“Actually, it’s going to be impossible to count the cost,” he added.
Retail rival Migros agreed, saying sales figures would be much weaker this year.
Professional firework entertainers have also complained about the difficulties the hot and dry weather has brought.
“We’re expecting a bad year,” sighed Peter Zuellig, president of the Switzerland’s fireworks association.
“We’ve cancelled seven shows scheduled for the national day celebrations,” added Pyrostars director, Pierre André Berretta. “We stand to lose several tens of thousands of francs.”
swissinfo, Jean-Louis Thomas (translation: Samantha Tonkin)
Dry and hot weather has prompted fears of fires in Switzerland.
As a result, authorities in many cantons have banned fireworks as part of National Day celebrations on August 1.
In French-speaking Switzerland, pyrotechnic displays will nevertheless take place over lakes.
Restrictions in German-speaking Switzerland have been eased somewhat following recent rainfall.
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