Fire crews are actively battling a significant wildfire burning on a hillside near Vík í Mýrdal on Iceland’s south coast, according to Iceland Review reporting today, 18 April 2026. Emergency services deployed a large-scale response, with the local fire brigade joined by crews from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and volunteer rescue teams. Deputy Fire Chief Sigurður Gýmir Bjartmarsson confirmed that extensive resources are on scene. As of the time of reporting, officials stated the fire does not pose a risk to nearby communities and firefighters remain at work to extinguish the blaze.
Why this matters for photographers: The area around Vík í Mýrdal is one of the most intensively photographed stretches of Iceland’s south coast, encompassing Reynisfjara black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Dyrhólaey promontory. An active wildfire in the hills above Vík can produce significant smoke that degrades air quality and visibility, directly impacting landscape photography conditions. Depending on wind direction, smoke plumes may also appear in images of the coast and sea stacks. While no access restrictions to Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey have been officially confirmed in current reporting, the situation is ongoing and conditions may change.
What photographers should do:
- Check road.is and safetravel.is for any access closures to roads in the Vík area before departing — closures can be issued at short notice if the fire spreads.
- Monitor wind direction: smoke drifting toward the coast will affect visibility at Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey. Check en.vedur.is for local wind forecasts.
- If you are already in the area, follow all instructions from emergency services and do not enter any restricted areas near the fire.
- Consider a flexible itinerary — if conditions are smoky or access is limited today, the south coast can be revisited once the situation is resolved.
Wildfire in Iceland’s lava-field landscapes can spread rapidly in dry spring conditions. Do not approach the fire area or attempt to photograph from near the fireline — this is an active emergency response. Stay on official roads and paths at all times.
For full guidance on responsible photography on Iceland’s south coast and lava landscapes, see our Skaftá River Valley Photography guide.
Source: Iceland Review — https://www.icelandreview.com/news/fire-crews-battle-large-wildfire-near-vik-in-southern-iceland/ Additional source: RÚV — https://www.ruv.is/frettir/innlent/2026-04-18-sinueldur-naerri-vik-i-myrdal-473126