Outdoor fires; application for a special permit

Registration of a traditional or customary fire

  • Brief description

    If you wish to light an open fire (e.g. a campfire), special attention must be paid to the dangers posed by open fires. In particular, certain distances from flammable objects must be maintained.

  • Description

    As a general rule, there must be no fire hazards for the surrounding area.

    Open fires in the open air with suitable fuel (especially untreated wood) are generally not permitted if the following distances are observed:

    • At least 100 m from highly flammable substances and
    • at least 5 m from buildings and other combustible materials; an exception may be requested from the municipality.
    • At least 100 m from a forest; for shorter distances a permit is required, which can be applied for at the lower forestry authority (Amt für Ernährung Landwirtschaft und Forsten).

    It should also be noted:

    • The fire must be extinguished in strong winds.
    • The fire must be supervised at all times by a sufficient number of suitable persons.
    • Fire and embers must be extinguished and fire residues must be properly removed when you leave the site.
    • The consent of the landowner is always required for lighting and operating open fires in the open air outside of officially designated areas.
    • The general obligation to protect nature should be observed when making a fire.
    • Further provisions may apply in protected areas and be contained in protected area ordinances. Further information on this can be obtained from the lower nature conservation authorities.
    • If the fire is lit as part of a public amusement, which may be the case depending on the specific circumstances of the individual case, the public amusement as such must be reported to the municipality at least one week in advance and, in individual cases, a permit may also be required, provided no overriding special regulations apply (see "Public amusement; reporting and applying for a permit" under "Related topics").
    • In the case of larger fires, it may be advisable to inform the municipality and the integrated control center in advance to avoid false alarms.

    In individual cases, the municipalities may issue more extensive regulations and demand special precautions. The municipality can provide information about this on site.

    • Legal basis


    Responsible departments