Children return to Stuðlar in Iceland after tragic fire that claimed one life

Children who were sheltered at Stuðlar returned there yesterday following a fire that occurred on Saturday. However, not all staff members have resumed their duties. Emergency accommodation may temporarily move to the police station in Hafnarfjörður.

A 17-year-old boy lost his life, and a staff member suffered severe smoke inhalation during the blaze at the treatment facility on Saturday morning. The Director of the Children and Family Agency stated that the injured staff member is recovering. Some of the other staff members present during the fire have not felt ready to return to work.

Stuðlar reopened today, and children have moved back in after repairs and cleaning. The agency’s psychologists assessed that those with private rooms could return, where they would receive psychological and trauma treatment. “There are many competent professionals here taking good care of our clients,” the director noted.

Some children initially went to Vog after the fire, while others were placed in different child protection facilities or sent home. No children were placed under the care of prison authorities.

The fire occurred in the emergency accommodation section of Stuðlar, rendering that part unusable. An emergency shelter could temporarily relocate to the police station in Hafnarfjörður, although nothing is finalized yet. The director emphasized that any displaced operations would remain under the care of the Children and Family Agency, not prison authorities.

Currently, there are four emergency placements available, with hopes to secure four additional spots to enhance capacity.