Unfortunately, we missed the chance for a better scenario several years ago.
But hey – have a consolation prize.
A little chocolate to sweeten your naivety?
Take a look at a more realistic level.
Oh – you still believe in a perfect world?
Did you really think there was a better scenario?
You dreamer, you.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time.
The past is gone for good.
Can’t handle reality?
It’s okay – we’ve got something to help you.
Wildfires occur mainly in late winter, spring, and summer, when leaf litter, humus, and vegetation have dried out. In the Alps and on the southern side of the Alps in particular, they can affect large areas. Aside from lightning strikes, the usual cause is human negligence – barbecues or improperly disposed fireplace ash, for example.
Small forest fires that break out during periods of low risk are not necessarily a catastrophe. They can contribute to structural diversity and species richness. They also give the fire brigade a chance to practise their forest fire-fighting skills!
-
Dead plant material can encourage small fires, most of which are human-caused. back to Tree Vitality
-
Infrequent, small-scale forest fires promote ecological succession and create new habitats for light-demanding species. In this way, they can contribute to the regeneration of protection forests. Large forest fires on steep slopes, however, may lead to erosion and debris flows once the stabilising effect of roots is lost. continue to Loss of Protection Forests
-
Increased dead plant material can encourage small fires. back to Biodiversity
-
A forest fire destroys biomass and causes a sharp short-term release of CO₂. In the long term, the balance depends on how well the forest regenerates and whether the soil regains its carbon storage capacity. continue to CO₂ Balance
Even north of the Alps, forest fires are occurring repeatedly in summer, often triggered by lightning. Increasing summer drought exacerbates this risk.
Due to climate change-induced dry periods, fires can last longer and spread across larger areas.
Warmer winters, less snow, and earlier snowmelt lead to an expansion of snow-free zones, thereby increasing forest fire risk in winter.
-
The increase in dead plant material leads to larger fires regionally, including north of the Alps. back to Tree Vitality
-
Frequent fires weaken the protective function of mountain forests against rockfall and avalanches. Soils can become sealed and eroded, and may require artificial stabilisation. continue to Loss of Protection Forests
-
Dead plant material leads to larger fires regionally, including north of the Alps. back to Biodiversity
-
Forest fires release CO₂, and burned vegetation can no longer absorb it. Once the forest regrows, it will once again absorb CO₂. But that takes time. continue to CO₂ Balance
Forest fires are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense. Following multi-year droughts, they now occur in all parts of the country. In the Alps, extreme conditions can hamper firefighting efforts, leading more often to large-scale fires.
Infrastructure and settlements are increasingly at risk. When firefighting capacity is insufficient to tackle all burning areas, priority shifts to protecting people and critical infrastructure.
Where to extinguish, and where to let it burn? This question is being asked more and more often.
-
If deadwood cannot be removed on a large scale, major fires may repeatedly occur in all regions of Switzerland. back to Tree Vitality
-
Forest fires create extensive gaps that drastically reduce the protective function of forests. Artificial structures and protective nets must be introduced to safeguard settlements, roads, and infrastructure. continue to Loss of Protection Forests
-
Dead plant material leads to larger and longer-lasting fires in some regions, including north of the Alps. back to Biodiversity
-
When forests burn, a large proportion of the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere (85–95%). Only a small fraction (5–15%) remains as charred material and is stored long-term in soils. continue to CO₂ Balance
That's it. RIP.
That's a bit too much.
Maybe go down a level?
Got it – you're really into extremes.
Game over.
Try a different level.
That extreme? You’ll find the matching soundtrack here.
We’re done with this planet.
On to the next!
Solutionsfor: Forest Fires
Information, education, and the assessment and publication of forest fire risk levels can reduce the number of (human-caused) fires.
Forestry policy measures and active forest management reduce forest fuel loads and lower fire risk.
If a forest fire does occur, effective coordination between forest services and fire brigades – including helicopter support – is essential. Cantonal alarm centres and staggered mobilisation of fire brigades, as well as training drills and debriefs, improve operational efficiency. Equipment depots and artificial water pools improve the availability of firefighting resources.
Post-fire management includes assessing fire severity and forest stand resilience, recording data in the 'Swissfire' database, and long-term silvicultural restoration.