Stuðlar rehabilitation center reopens after tragic fire in Reykjavík

The rehabilitation center, Stuðlar, reopened today following a tragic fire on Saturday that claimed the life of a teenage boy. Some of the young residents have returned to the facility, although not all have done so yet.

Funni Sigurðsson, the director of the Child and Family Agency’s treatment division, visited Stuðlar today. He noted that safety assessments regarding fire prevention were conducted this morning. The police’s technical department continues to investigate the cause of the fire.

A temporary repair was quickly completed, allowing the police to examine the fire-affected area before the children returned at midday. A section of the facility has been thoroughly sealed off to ensure safety, and changes have been made to the room arrangements. Now, four individuals can occupy each division, which has resulted in reduced operational space.

As for the residents, ten children were at Stuðlar when the fire broke out. Four returned today from Vogi, where they had been relocated since the incident. Due to privacy regulations, details about the remaining residents are not publicly accessible, but reports have indicated that some children returned home only to flee due to parental distress.

Funni described mixed emotions among staff, stating it is bittersweet to be back in the building, with some struggling significantly to return. The police have a clear understanding of the events surrounding the fire but are not providing further comments at this time. In the coming weeks, alternative emergency accommodation will open in other areas of Reykjavík, along with a treatment facility in Mosfellsbær.

Funni emphasized the importance of maintaining routine as they reintegrate the children from Vogi, prioritizing their safety and stability.