Security

After the events in Crans-Montana, Italian municipalities ban fires in closed premises

From Olbia to Cortina, via other small towns, while waiting for the measure announced by the government to arrive, municipalities have decided to adopt the technique of prevention

by Davide Madeddu

12 January 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The events at Crans-Montana in Switzerland have left their mark. And, to prevent similar episodes from happening again, the municipalities have decided to adopt the technique of prevention. That is, to prohibit the use of elements that can start fires in enclosed spaces. From Olbia to Cortina, passing through other small towns, while waiting for the provision announced by the government to arrive, there are already those who have moved forward.

Olbia bans

In Olbia, in the north-east of Sardinia, Mayor Settimo Nizzi has issued an ordinance, in force from 10 January until 31 December this year, banning the use of bottles with sparklers, luminous fountains, and other pyrotechnic articles inside public premises in the municipality.

The measure stems from the need to ensure maximum protection of public safety and urban security, in the light of the recent tragic events that took place at a venue in the tourist resort of Crans-Montana, which highlighted the risks associated with the use of flames and lighting effects in closed and crowded environments.

"The safety of our fellow citizens remains our top priority," the mayor emphasises. The incidents abroad remind us what can happen in certain circumstances when risks are underestimated. With this ordinance we intend to prevent dangerous situations and protect the community, the workers and the venue operators themselves. It is a very necessary measure, which we trust will be accepted with a sense of responsibility by everyone. We invite operators, event organisers and citizens to scrupulously respect the provisions, thus contributing to collective safety'. And for the next few days, a crackdown with checks in the premises has also been announced.

Cortina d'Ampezzo and Lecce

The same is true in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the mayor has issued an ordinance 'with immediate effect, for the protection of the safety of persons, as well as for the protection of public and private property' forbidding 'the use of open flames and pyrotechnic articles throughout the municipal territory, in particular in the public premises located therein'.

Also in Lecce, the mayor Adriana Poli Bortone has signed an ordinance prohibiting the use of open flames and pyrotechnic articles, 'for any reason whatsoever, inside commercial premises and public establishments open to the public in the municipal territory'. The ban covers, for example, the use of ornamental and decorative flames, pyrotechnic articles with an illuminating effect and the like, cookers, burners or portable combustion devices and 'any other source of fire not expressly authorised'. "We were all greatly shaken by a very serious episode that no one would have thought could happen," the mayor emphasised in a note, "which is even more disconcerting if we consider that it happened at a time when there is great concern for public safety. As administrators, we feel the need to be ever more vigilant in order to prevent similar tragedies that have deeply disturbed our hearts and consciences from happening again'.

Similar measures are also in place in the small municipality of Mandas in Sardinia, where the mayor has issued an ordinance that, with immediate effect, bans fireworks in public premises. 'The use of fireworks, scenic candles and pyrotechnic articles inside public premises and municipal property will be banned throughout the municipal territory.

Uncem's invitation to municipalities

And, also in recent days, the Unione Nazionale Comuni Comunità Enti Montani (National Union of Municipalities and Mountain Communities) has sent an ordinance to local authorities to be adopted to prohibit open fires in closed premises. "The measure, drawn up in line with the indications of the national Uncem, aims to prevent accidents linked to celebrations and events," writes Uncem. The initiative comes in the wake of the recent tragedy in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where the use of flammable materials in a public setting caused serious consequences and dozens of young victims. The document aims to protect the physical safety of the population and to protect public and private property from the risk of fire.

The ordinance stipulates 'an immediate ban on the use of pyrotechnic candles, luminous fountains and any type of pyrotechnic article throughout the municipal territory, with particular reference to indoor locations'.