A nationwide ban on lighting pyrotechnics in publicly accessible rooms will apply throughout Switzerland from April 1. The ban was decided by an organ of the concordat of building directors of all 26 cantons, and the decision was announced on Friday. As an immediate measure, the IOTH, an organ of the concordat, is implementing this ban to enhance fire safety.
While the ban is in effect, fire protection regulations will be revised and are set to come into force by autumn 2027. Categories of fireworks that are already subject to approval today are exempt from the ban, though the exact categories remain unspecified. This adjustment to the regulations will come into force on April 1, 2026.
During the technical consultation on the completely revised fire protection regulations, over 11,000 responses were received, but the key findings from these submissions have not been made public. The IOTH indicates that sufficient time should be available to process this exceptionally high number of submissions. Additionally, the organization wants to consider relevant findings from the ongoing investigations into the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, though those findings are not yet known.
The specific details of the revised regulations have not been disclosed, and how the ban will be enforced and what penalties will apply for violations are also unclear at this time. The ban applies throughout Switzerland and is part of broader efforts to update fire safety standards in response to public input and recent incidents. The decision follows a period of public consultation and aims to address safety concerns highlighted by events such as the Crans-Montana fire.
Authorities emphasize that the ban is a temporary measure pending the full revision of fire protection rules, which will incorporate feedback from the extensive public responses. The IOTH has stated that the high volume of submissions requires careful analysis to ensure the new regulations are effective and widely supported. Exemptions for pre-approved fireworks categories are intended to balance safety with existing regulatory frameworks, but further clarification on these categories is expected as the implementation date approaches.
The timeline for the regulatory changes allows for a phased approach, with the ban serving as an interim step while longer-term updates are developed. This process reflects a coordinated effort among cantonal building directors to standardize fire safety measures across Switzerland, leveraging lessons from past incidents to prevent future tragedies.