Several callouts for dry boiling – fire department requests assistance

So far in 2026, there has been an undesirable development regarding dry cooking in Longyearbyen.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of dry cooking incidents," says fire chief Ruben Johansen.

So far in 2026, there have been five call-outs for dry cooking, compared to nine cases in the whole of 2025.

Everyone's help

Dry cooking refers to people who want to enjoy a good meal after a night out on the town and fall asleep while cooking.

With five call-outs so far this year, Johansen says that Longyearbyen Fire and Rescue needs everyone's help to improve the statistics.

"We require that the cost of the call-out be covered if gross negligence has been committed," says the fire chief.

No lives to lose

Longyearbyen was also hit by house fires in both September 2022 and 2024.

"On behalf of the entire town, I would urge everyone to think twice before cooking at night. We have no lives to lose, and this is very dangerous," says Johansen.

Arctic building practices in Longyearbyen are unique because houses and buildings are constructed on stilts, which allows for high air flow. The Arctic air is fairly dry, which over time makes materials highly flammable. In addition, Longyearbyen is exposed to relatively high winds from the east or west, which increases the risk of fire spreading.