The Swiss canton of Schwyz has responded to the ongoing drought by tightening measures to prevent forest fires. From Friday, a total ban on fires will be in force throughout the canton, both in the forest and within 50 metres of the forest edge. Last week’s rainfall had only temporarily alleviated the drought, the canton announced on Thursday. In consultation with the other cantons of central Switzerland, Schwyz has raised the forest fire risk to level 4 (high risk). According to the statement,