Outdoor fires in Ticino: Ban lifted from 1 May 2024 (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief - The Ticino Council of State has lifted the ban on lighting fires in the open air - The decision entered into force on 1 May 2024 - The new legislation does not apply to Italian Graubünden

Key Facts - Effective date: May 1, 2024 - Canton concerned: Canton Ticino - Italian region concerned: Italian Graubünden - Reason for revocation: Improvement of weather conditions and reduction of fire danger - Violation penalties: Up to 10,000 Swiss francs - Expiry of revocation: 30 September 2024 - Maximum fire size: Maximum height 50 cm

The Ticino Council of State has lifted the ban on lighting open fires in forests, meadows and unprotected areas in the Canton of Ticino. The decision came into force on May 1, 2024, after months of restrictions related to summer fire risks. However, the new legislation does not apply to neighboring Italian Graubünden, where the ban remains in place at least until the next assessment by the local authorities.

The lifting of the ban was motivated by the improvement of weather conditions and the reduction of the fire danger, according to the Department of the Territory of the Canton of Ticino. The new regulation applies to all areas not classified as high risk zones, where the fire danger is still considered high. The cantonal authorities have specified that local permits may still impose additional restrictions in the event of adverse weather conditions.

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Operational details

The lifting of the ban on lighting open-air fires in Ticino marks a significant change for residents and visitors to the canton’s wooded areas. However, for cross-border workers who regularly travel between Ticino and the Italian-speaking Grisons, the new regulations introduce a series of practical and administrative complications that deserve close attention.

Before vs. after: what has changed for cross-border workers

Until 30 April 2024, lighting open-air fires in Ticino was prohibited, except in expressly authorised areas and under strict supervision. The lifting of the ban now allows people to resume traditional activities such as barbecues in the woods, warming themselves by a campfire, or simply enjoying the outdoors. However, for those living in areas bordering the Italian-speaking Grisons, the situation is more complex. In Brusio and Poschiavo, for example, residents are permitted to light fires, while those living in nearby Tirano are still subject to Italy’s ban. This disparity can lead to paradoxical situations: a cross-border worker living in Brusio and working in Italy could light a fire in their own garden, but could not do so just a few hundred metres away in the town of residence.

💡 Key insight: The new rules apply based on the location where the fire is lit, not where the person resides or works. This means that even a cross-border worker subject to Italian law at home must comply with Ticino’s regulations when lighting a fire in Ticino.

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Key points

The lifting of the ban on lighting fires outdoors in Ticino offers new opportunities for recreation, but requires a thorough understanding of the rules and careful management of leisure activities. For cross-border commuters who live or work in border areas, the legislation introduces additional complexities related to the differences between the laws of Ticino and those of the Italian Graubünden. Here's a step-by-step process for safely starting a fire and complying with regulations, as well as a checklist to avoid penalties.

### Step 1: Check the local conditions Before lighting a fire, it is essential to check the weather conditions and the level of fire risk in your area. The Ticino authorities update the fire risk daily on the Dipartimento del territorio website. For cross-border commuters who are in the border areas with the Italian Grisons, it is advisable to also consult the bulletins of the Italian Civil Protection or ARPA Lombardy.

Step 2: Choose the right location Not all places are suitable for starting a fire. According to the new Ticino legislation, it is forbidden to light fires in: - Protected areas (natural parks, forest reserves). - Proximity to buildings, roads, power lines, or fuel depots. - Dry soils or woods, where the risk of flame spread is high. - Places where fire could pose a danger to public safety.

Ticino municipalities can impose additional local restrictions. For example, some municipalities may ban fires even in unprotected areas during periods of particular drought. To verify, you can contact your town hall or consult the website of the Department of the territory.

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