Fire protection: changes to regulations in Ticino

Context

In brief

• The Association of Ticino Municipalities appeals to the Federal Court
• Changes to the fire protection regulation
• Looking at Lausanne as an example
• Estimated financial impact between 5 and 10 million Swiss francs

Key facts

• What: Changes to the fire protection regulation
• When: 9 May 2026
• Where: Canton of Ticino
• Who: Association of Ticino Municipalities
• Amount: Between 5 and 10 million Swiss francs

The Association of Ticino Municipalities has decided to appeal to the Federal Court against the government's changes to the fire protection regulation, which came into force on 1 January 2025. The decision was made following an in-depth analysis of the new provisions, which, according to the association, introduce tasks and burdens not provided for by the cantonal law 550.1 of 2018. Among the critical points are the new regulations that impose additional responsibilities on local authorities without adequate financial or technical support, such as the obligation to equip themselves with advanced fire detection systems by 2027, at an estimated cost of around 500,000 francs per municipality.

The changes to the regulation were introduced with the aim of improving fire safety throughout the Canton of Ticino, in line with European regulations. However, the Association of Ticino Municipalities argues that these changes were implemented without adequate consultation with local authorities. Moreover, they look to Lausanne as an example of best practice, where fire protection regulations were introduced with greater involvement of stakeholders and state funding of 70% of the costs.

Impact on Municipalities

The new provisions could have a significant impact on municipal budgets, especially for small municipalities that already struggle to meet operating costs. For example, the municipality of Giornico, with a population of around 1,000 inhabitants, will have to invest around 300,000 francs to comply with the new regulations, while the municipality of Lugano, with a population of around 63,000 inhabitants, will have to face costs estimated between 3 and 5 million francs.

The Association of Ticino Municipalities has expressed concern about the increase in costs and the lack of human and technical resources necessary to implement the new regulations. Furthermore, the lack of specific clarifications on the modalities of implementing the new provisions has created further uncertainties among local administrators. For example, the municipality of Bellinzona has requested clarifications on the type of fire detection systems to be installed, but has not yet received clear answers from the cantonal government.

Operational Checklist

To help municipalities prepare, the Association of Ticino Municipalities has drawn up an operational checklist: 1. Cost assessment: Estimate the costs for compliance with the new regulations. 2. Financial planning: Identify sources of funding and plan investments. 3. Staff training: Organize training courses for municipal staff. 4. Purchase of equipment: Identify and purchase the necessary equipment. 5. Collaboration with experts: Involve external experts to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

In comparison, the municipality of Lausanne received state funding of 70% for the implementation of the new regulations, significantly reducing the financial burden on the municipality. Moreover, Lausanne actively involved stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring greater acceptance and collaboration. In Ticino, on the other hand, the lack of funding and consultation has led to greater resistance from the municipalities.

Next Steps

The appeal to the Federal Court represents an important step in the attempt to block the implementation of the new regulations. The Association of Ticino Municipalities hopes that the Court may intervene to clarify the responsibilities and burdens provided for by the law. Meanwhile, the municipalities of Ticino continue to monitor the situation and prepare for any changes in the fire protection regulations.

Operational details

Analysis of Changes

The amendments to the fire protection regulation, which came into force on January 1, 2024, introduce a series of new provisions that could have a significant impact on Ticino municipalities. Among the main novelties are the introduction of new training obligations for municipal staff and the obligation to equip themselves with more advanced fire protection equipment. For example, municipalities will now have to train at least two members of staff each year on advanced fire extinguishing techniques, with an estimated cost of around 5,000 CHF per course. Furthermore, it will be mandatory to equip themselves with state-of-the-art fire extinguishers, with an average investment of 2,000 CHF per municipal building. These changes could entail additional costs for the municipalities, which already have to cope with tight budgets.

Comparisons with the Previous Situation

Before the amendments, Ticino municipalities were required to comply with less stringent regulations in terms of fire protection. The new provisions introduce higher standards, which could require significant investments in terms of human and technical resources. For example, the municipality of Lugano has estimated a 30% increase in operating costs for fire protection management. Furthermore, the lack of specific clarifications on the implementation of the new regulations has created further uncertainties among local administrators. The municipality of Bellinzona, for example, has requested clarifications from the Department of Institutions of the Canton of Ticino, but has not yet received definitive answers.

Possible Scenarios

If the amendments to the regulation are confirmed, Ticino municipalities could face a series of challenges. Among these, the increase in operating costs and the need to train staff to meet the new regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the lack of human and technical resources could make it difficult to implement the new provisions, especially for smaller municipalities. For example, the municipality of Mendrisio has estimated that the implementation of the new regulations could require a 20% increase in the budget for fire protection.

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The amendments to the fire protection regulation could also have an impact on cross-border workers employed in Ticino. In particular, workers operating in sectors related to safety and civil protection could face new responsibilities and training obligations. For example, cross-border workers employed as volunteer firefighters will have to attend mandatory refresher courses, with an average cost of 1,000 CHF per year. Furthermore, the lack of specific clarifications on the implementation of the new regulations could create further uncertainties for cross-border workers.

Operational Checklist

To help municipalities and workers navigate the new regulations, here is an operational checklist: 1. Staff Training: Identify the staff members who need to attend the mandatory training courses. 2. Purchase of Equipment: Assess the necessary fire protection equipment and draw up a budget for the purchase. 3. Update of Emergency Plans: Review the existing emergency plans to align them with the new regulations. 4. Communication with Cross-Border Workers: Inform cross-border workers of the new responsibilities and training obligations.

Comparisons between Practical Scenarios

To better understand the impact of the new regulations, let's compare two practical scenarios:

• Municipality of Lugano: With an annual budget of 5 million CHF for fire protection, Lugano has estimated a 30% increase in operating costs. The municipality has already started to train staff and purchase new equipment.
• Municipality of Mendrisio: With an annual budget of 1 million CHF, Mendrisio has estimated a 20% increase in operating costs. The municipality is evaluating the options to finance the necessary investments.

Conclusion

The amendments to the fire protection regulation represent a significant challenge for Ticino municipalities and cross-border workers. However, with careful planning and effective management of resources, it is possible to face these challenges and ensure a high level of security for all citizens.

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Key points

What Municipalities Should Do

Municipalities in Ticino should start preparing for the implementation of the new fire protection regulations, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. In particular, it is crucial to assess the additional costs and resources needed to comply with the new provisions. For example, the municipality of Lugano estimates a 15% increase in operational costs for updating fire protection systems, while Bellinzona anticipates a 20% rise in maintenance expenses.

"Planning is essential to tackle the new regulatory challenges."

Municipalities should closely monitor the situation's evolution and actively participate in consultations with cantonal authorities. It is advisable to create a dedicated internal task force, involving experts in safety and financial management. Additionally, it is useful to exchange experiences with other municipalities that have already started the adaptation process, such as Locarno, which reduced implementation times by 30% thanks to careful planning.

Useful Tools

For Ticino municipalities that wish to delve deeper into the matter, the cost calculator can be used to assess the financial impact of the new regulations. This tool, developed in collaboration with the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino, provides precise estimates based on real data. For example, a municipality with 10,000 inhabitants might need to incur additional costs between 50,000 and 100,000 Swiss francs for updating the systems.

Furthermore, the practical guides can be consulted to obtain detailed information on procedures and specific requirements. These guides include operational checklists, such as the one for the periodic inspection of fire extinguishers, which must be carried out every two years, and for the mandatory training of personnel, which must be renewed annually.

Conclusion

The changes to the fire protection regulation represent a significant challenge for Ticino municipalities. However, with adequate planning and careful management of resources, it is possible to effectively address the new provisions. Use the cost calculator to assess the financial impact and consult the practical guides to obtain detailed information on procedures and specific requirements.

A comparison between practical scenarios can be useful to better understand the implications of the new regulations. For example, a municipality that has already started the adaptation process could save up to 25% on overall costs compared to a municipality that is just starting now. Moreover, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as automatic fire detection systems, can reduce maintenance costs by 10% per year.

Source: laregione.ch