Authorities in South Iceland say too many volcano visitors are taking unnecessary risks.

Photos: Agust Rafnsson

Search and Rescue teams were called out very early this morning to assist a woman who had got her car stuck in ice and snow trying to cross a glacial river on the way to the Fimmvorduhals volcano. The woman was accompanied by two others.

The trio were in an unmodified 4×4 car better suited to road driving than Highland off-roading in heavy winter weather.

Rescue teams also had to rescue several cold and exhausted walkers from the volcano last night – the third night in a row. The flow of visitors is currently nearly 24 hours a day.

Visir.is reports rescue workers as complaining that visitors are also getting much too close to the active volcano and are preparing to erect some small guide fences in the most dangerous spots. They are likening the situation to a ticking time bomb if people do not start taking better care of themselves. Professional guides are particularly recommended.

A slight increase in the volcano’s activity yesterday has continued into today; but conditions still appear to be stable. Stable for an active volcanic eruption, that is.

To view an extended photo essay of a trip to the volcano by IceNews’s own Olafur Kr. Olafsson, click here.

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