Permission to burn a bonfire

A permit must be applied to burn a bonfire if the bonfire to be burned is larger than one cubic meter.

Cost

The license costs ISK 11.000 which shall be paid into the account of the district Commissioner in the district where the bonfire takes place.

Application

The application must state:

• Intented size and the location of the bonfire.

• Which material is intented to be burned.

• How the spread of the bonfire will be limited.

• Name and social security number of the person responsible.

• Information about the estimated timing of the bonfire.

• Information on access to firefighting water, preparedness of the licensee and a response plan.

Supporting documents

When applying for a permit to burn a bonfire, the following documents must be provided:

• Permit or review by the local health inspection, which states an assessment of environmental factors and possible effects on neighbours.

• A report by the local fire department, which states the assessment of the risk of spread, whether the applicant's countermeasures are sufficient and whether a security guard is needed.

• Insurance company's confirmation of liability insurance for the bonfire (if required).

The application must be sent to the district Commissioner in the district where the bonfire is to take place. The district Commissioner reviews the application and issues a permit if all conditions are met.

Duties of the licensee and the person responsible

• The licensee and the person responsible must both be present when the burning of the bonfire takes place.

• The licensee must notify the fire chief and police with at least 24 hours notice before lighting the bonfire. In most cases, it is enough to do it by e-mail.

• The person responsible or his representative must be present during the reception of materials for the bonfire.

• The person responsible must also take care of the cleaning of the burning area on the first working day after the burning is done and no later than on the second day after the bonfire is lit.

• When burning a bonfire, extreme caution must be taken an. Care must be taken not to cause unnecessary disturbance or discomfort.

The fire protection control of the local fire department is responsible for the control of bonfires in each district.

Appeal deadline

The decision of the district Commissioner can be appealed to the Ministry of environment and national resources within three months of reception of the decision.