Fire service says housing policy is not its role

The Capital Region Fire Service has not taken a position on plans by Hafnarfjörður municipality to address housing problems for people living in unapproved accommodation, which the municipality has now abandoned, mbl.is reports.

Birgir Finnsson, the region’s acting fire chief, said the service had followed the issue in the media but had not helped develop the proposed solution. He said some people clearly need better housing options, but deciding how to solve the problem is not the fire service’s role.

Finnsson said the service regularly speaks with its board, which includes the mayor of Reykjavík and the mayors of other municipalities in the capital region. The issue has also been raised within the municipalities. But the service has not taken part directly in discussions about housing for people living in commercial premises.

The fire service’s main responsibility, he said, is to protect people’s safety and respond to unacceptable conditions. Finding housing solutions is the responsibility of municipalities and the state.

Finnsson said too many people live in commercial premises that are not intended for housing. He stressed the need to distinguish between people in unacceptable conditions and those in commercial premises where safety is adequate.

He said particular concern is warranted for people who have no real choice about where they live and must seek cheaper accommodation, especially families with children. Their circumstances raise issues beyond building safety, including children’s schooling and access to other services in commercial districts.

When the fire service finds unacceptable conditions in commercial premises, it can order improvements or close the premises. In some cases, residents may have to leave.