Switzerland Fire Brigade Number: 118
+41 · Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr)
The fire brigade emergency number in Switzerland is 118. Operated by OFCOM Switzerland. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr)
Switzerland · Fire Brigade
📝 Fire emergency number 118. Also reachable via 112. Municipal and cantonal fire departments respond.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Switzerland
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Fire Brigade
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies - use 144 for ground ambulance
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Swiss law
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or weather forecasts
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP or the medical on-call service
✈️ Travel Notes — Switzerland
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout Switzerland. REGA air rescue is world-renowned for alpine emergencies. Medical care is world-class but expensive; travel insurance is essential. The 112 system integrates with cantonal emergency services.
🛡️ Traveling to Switzerland? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Fire Brigade Emergency Service in Switzerland — Complete Guide
When traveling to Switzerland or living there as an expat, knowing the correct fire brigade number in Switzerland is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for fire brigade services in Switzerland is 118, which is operated and monitored by OFCOM Switzerland. Fire emergency number 118. Also reachable via 112. Municipal and cantonal fire departments respond.
How to Dial 118 in Switzerland
To reach the Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr) in Switzerland, dial 118 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Switzerland. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Switzerland using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 118 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Switzerland from an international location, the country calling code is +41.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Switzerland communicate primarily in de, fr, it, rm. If you do not speak de, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 118
When you call the fire brigade number in Switzerland, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at OFCOM Switzerland. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (fire brigade assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Switzerland
Please note that Switzerland utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Fire Brigade (118), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: European Emergency Number (112), Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) (117), Emergency Medical Service (144), Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr) (118), REGA Swiss Air Rescue (1414). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Switzerland and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 118 is verified against official directories published by OFCOM Switzerland. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fire Brigade in Switzerland
What is the Fire Brigade number in Switzerland? ▼
The Fire Brigade emergency number in Switzerland is 118. Fire emergency number 118. Also reachable via 112. Municipal and cantonal fire departments respond.
Does 118 work from mobile in Switzerland? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Switzerland.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 118 free in Switzerland? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is free in Switzerland. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Fire Brigade in Switzerland? ▼
The Fire Brigade service in Switzerland is operated by OFCOM Switzerland. Source: https://www.ch.ch/en/safety-and-justice/emergencies-and-danger/
What is REGA 1414 in Switzerland? ▼
REGA is the Swiss air rescue service specializing in alpine emergencies and medical evacuations. Call 1414 directly or request REGA through 112. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 117, 118, and 144 are free. REGA rescue may incur costs without membership.
Do emergency operators speak English in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. Emergency operators handle calls in German, French, Italian, and English. Multilingual support is standard.
What is REGA 1414? ▼
REGA is Swiss air rescue for alpine emergencies. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls are free and work without a SIM card.
Do emergency operators speak English? ▼
Yes. Operators handle German, French, Italian, and English.