Fireworks ban due to fire risk in Tyrol

In some parts of Switzerland and Austria, such as the southern Austrian province of Tyrol, there is a complete ban on any fireworks anywhere including city centres through to community firework displays.

And in other areas like Salzburg, fireworks are only allowed to be used with special permission. In Switzerland the restrictions include a ban anywhere other than built-up areas and in snow covered regions such as glacier fields or mountaintops. The famous Saint Moritz New Year's Eve fireworks display is also one of those to be cancelled in Switzerland.

Experts warn that the extremely dry grass and woodland could quickly turn into a raging fire despite the cold weather.

The ban on fireworks is another hit for ski resorts already struggling from the lack of snow to attract visitors, and now for those unable to ski because of the lack of snow to learn that they will also have to give up on their New Year fireworks is a further dampener on the holiday spirit.