New Year’s Bonfires in Reykjavík Reduced to Six
October 31, 2024
We would like to inform everyone about upcoming changes to the New Year’s bonfires in Reykjavík. This update is based on information provided by RÚV (ruv.is). This year, the number of bonfires will be reduced from ten to six. Additionally, some of the bonfires will be relocated to new sites.
Reasons for the Changes The decision to reduce the number of bonfires and relocate some of them comes as a response to several factors:
- Safety Concerns: Reykjavík’s fire department, police, and health authorities have requested these changes due to safety issues. Some bonfires were located too close to residential areas, creating risks related to fire safety, traffic, and local environmental impacts.
- Environmental Impact: The bonfires have been associated with negative local environmental effects, and reducing their number helps minimize these impacts.
- High Costs: The costs of organizing and cleaning up after the bonfires are significant. For instance, waste disposal costs alone reach approximately 20 million ISK each year.
This decision was approved during a meeting of Reykjavík’s Environment and Planning Committee, supported by representatives from the Social Democratic Alliance, Progressive Party, Pirate Party, and Reform Party.
New Bonfire Locations for 2024
The six bonfires planned for this year will take place at the following locations:
- Vesturbær (pending final site confirmation)
- Gufunes
- Geirsnef
- Jafnasel (new location)
- Úlfarsárdalur
- Kjalarnes
All bonfires will be smaller than 250 cubic meters, making them classified as “small bonfires.”
Respect for Tradition We understand that many bonfires have been an important tradition for decades, serving as family-friendly events that strengthen community spirit. We aim to keep this tradition alive while ensuring safety and sustainability for everyone.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding of these changes and invite you to join the bonfires at their new locations for a safe and festive New Year’s celebration.
For more details on which bonfires will not take place, please visit our website or refer to the original source at RÚV.
