Due to the continuing high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of rain, drought conditions in the Basel region are worsening, and both cantons Basel-Stadt and Baselland have increased the risk level for forest fires to the highest of five levels, “very high.” The vegetation is currently so dry that even the smallest spark could incite a large fire, not only in wooded areas but also in urban areas. There also is no significant rainfall in the forecast for the foreseeable future. Therefore, as of Friday, July 24, both cantons Basel-Stadt and Baselland have further strengthened several measures to reduce the risk of wildfires. These include:

• A complete ban on all fires in the open throughout all areas of both cantons, whether in town or out in the rural areas and woods. This ban also applies to any existing permanent fire / grill sites in those areas and to fire dishes or small portable grills that you might bring with you. The only exception are gas and electric grills, which you are allowed to use on paved surfaces and patios/balconies with sufficient distance from any vegetation.
• A complete ban on any private fireworks or sky lanterns, including for Swiss National Day celebrations when they would usually be permitted (July 31 and August 1 from 18:00-01:00). The permits for the two official fireworks in Basel on the Rhein on July 31 and on the Bruderholz on August 1 remain valid, so those two official fireworks are still slated to take place.
• A ban on throwing away any lit matches, cigarettes, or other smoking materials not only in the woods but also in town.
• A ban on parking motorized vehicles on fields or grassy areas, as the heat from the motors could incite the dry vegetation.

Also, as already implemented previously, you are not allowed to take any water (eg, to water your garden) from rivers and other bodies of water in Baselland with the exception of the Rhein and upper reaches of the Birs. As already reported in a previous post (https://www.basellife.com/no-swimming-in-the-wiese-and-lower-reaches-of-the-birs-effective-immediately/), a ban on accessing and swimming in the Wiese and lower reaches of the Birs has been implemented to protect the fish that are suffering enormous stress from the reduced water and high water temperatures. This also applies to other rivers in Baselland. In general, you are encouraged to preserve water, for example, by not watering your lawns or topping up your swimming pools.

You also should be careful when walking in the woods; because of the drought, branches especially of older, larger trees can break and fall down without any warning.

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