Forest Fire Rages in Swiss Alps

19th July 2023

Last modified on July 23rd, 2023

200 people have been evacuated from their homes in the Alps near the Italian border. It follows high temperatures with strong winds making the situation worse.

The fire is burning in near the village of Bitsch in the Valais canton, home to many of the most well-known Swiss ski resorts.

250 acres are ablaze and helicopters have been used to try to contain the fire.

The military have also been called in to help local fire fighters.

The blaze started on Monday.

The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment has warned that summer forest fires could become more frequent due to an increase in hot, dry weather caused by climate change.

The police have started an investigation into the cause of the fire.