Forest fire risk in the canton of Glarus is very high

Department of Construction and Environment • The Forestry and Natural Hazards Division assesses the current forest fire risk as very high. Open fires are prohibited.

Forest fire risk is very high

Outdoor fire activities pose a very high risk of forest or field fires. The consistently high temperatures and lack of precipitation in recent weeks have further increased the risk of forest fires. The flammability of the increasingly dry vegetation is very high throughout the canton. Sparks from a fire, fireworks or carelessly discarded smoking materials can cause a fire to break out and lead to a larger forest fire.

Despite somewhat cooler Atlantic air, the weather forecast does not predict a lasting change in the dry weather and little precipitation is expected. It is unlikely that the forest fire situation will improve by 1 August. This would require substantial precipitation throughout the canton over several days. A ban on fireworks and bonfires is expected for the national holiday.

Outdoor fire ban

To protect the forests and the population, the canton of Glarus, in consultation with the Glarnersach, issued a ban on outdoor fires on 16 July 2026. The ban also includes the burning of fireworks. The ban applies to the entire canton and will remain in place until revoked by the canton of Glarus.

The fire ban includes the following measures:

• No outdoor fires No fireworks (entire canton)
• No use of charcoal / disposable barbecues
• No 1 August bonfires
• No releasing of sky lanterns (entire canton)
• No discarding of smoking materials

Situation to be reassessed on 22 July 2026

It is uncertain whether there will be enough rain next week. The risk of forest fires is likely to remain high. The Forest and Natural Hazards Department will reassess the situation on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Media contact:
Forest and Natural Hazards Department, Daniel Hartenbach: 055 646 64 55 I daniel.hartenbach@gl.ch