Fire safety bear Bjørnis begins work in Iceland

Ritstjórn
Bjørnis posed at Höfði alongside immediate family and supporters of the Bjørnis project. Róbert Reynisson
Fire safety bear Bjørnis posed at Höfði alongside immediate family and supporters of the Bjørnis project.

Fire safety bear Bjørnis (Bjössi) had his first day on the job in Iceland yesterday. To mark the occasion, Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, who is also board chair of the Capital Area Fire Department, met with him, took him up in an aerial platform truck and showed him the capital from 40 meters (130 feet high) in beautiful weather.

The Bjørnis project began in Trondheim, Norway and has since expanded throughout Norway. The project is based on the principle that fire safety education for children is a cornerstone of public safety awareness, both because children gain basic knowledge they can use throughout their lives and because they are excellent ambassadors for teaching parents and grandparents about fire safety.

Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir and fire safety bear Bjørnis posed outside Höfði in pleasant weather. Fire truck and Höfði in the background.

Bjørnis got along wonderfully with Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, mayor and board chair of the Capital Area Fire Department.

Books, TV shows, entertainment and plays

A great deal of effort has gone into the project, with books about Bjørnis published, TV shows produced that air on RÚV among other stations, entertainment events held around Bjørnis in Norway, plus Christmas plays staged in theaters every year. Bjørnis is also active on social media in Norway, reaching a broader age group through short videos on TikTok. More detailed information is available on Bjørnis's website.

"...children gain basic fire safety knowledge that they carry throughout their lives and children are excellent ambassadors when it comes to teaching parents and grandparents about fire safety."

The name Bjørnis: When discussions began with Norwegians about bringing Bjørnis to Iceland, it quickly became clear that they are very fond of this important project and the name Bjørnis. When it was discovered that the first Bjørnis series had already been translated into Icelandic with the name changed to "Bjössi the fire bear," it was decided to keep the original name Bjørnis, though the plush toy can also be called Bjössi.

Fire safety bear Bjørnis, Mayor Heiða Björg and firefighter in the basket of an aerial platform truck, high above Höfði. Advania in the background.

Bjørnis is not afraid of heights, and the weather was perfect for the sightseeing trip yesterday.

Loving comfort bear

In addition to his educational value, Bjørnis serves as a tool when firefighters meet children in connection with fires and other accidents where a fire truck responds, serving as a "comfort bear." No timeline has been set for when this part of the project will be implemented, but it will likely happen in the coming months.

Organizers celebrated Bjørnis' arrival in Iceland, welcoming him to his new role.

Fire trucks and ambulance lined up at Höfði in pleasant weather when fire safety bear Bjørnis was welcomed. Aerial photo.

They expressed gratitude for the nation's excellent emergency responders, calling Bjørnis a welcome addition.