Seismic activity raises safety concerns as lava flows over military training site in Reykjanes Peninsula

Seismic activity continues on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where lava is flowing over an old military training area, raising safety concerns. The area, once used for munitions exercises by the U.S. military, is now at risk of potential explosive hazards due to the lava flow and ongoing wildfires.

The volcanic eruption at the Sundhnúkur crater row has reportedly stabilized, with volcanic activity currently concentrated north of Stóra Skógfell. The lava predominantly flows northwest over dry moss, sparking wildfires in the affected area. According to local fire chief Einar Sveinn Jónsson, this terrain is particularly challenging for firefighting efforts.

“This area is the most difficult we’ve encountered in wildfires so far. It’s rugged, crisscrossed with cracks, and there are old munitions left from military training exercises, making it a contaminated site with hidden explosives,” he explained.

The lava is encroaching on Vogaheiði, a historical shooting range from 1952 to 1960. “There’s a considerable risk when lava flows over an area contaminated with munitions,” said Jónas Karl Þorvaldsson, head of the specialized rescue unit.

Efforts to clear the area have been made three times previously, but remnants still surface, complicating the cleanup process. “If there are no people in the area, then there’s no risk,” Jónas noted. However, people are still approaching the eruption site against safety instructions.

Currently, a northerly wind direction is transporting smoke and pollutants out to sea, with emergency services monitoring the situation closely. As it stands, infrastructure remains unharmed, and plans to address the fires will follow traditional methods once they contain the risk.