Watch Scientists in Iceland Cook Hot Dogs on Lava From an Active Volcano

When the average person sees lava spewing out of the ground, they may respond by running in the opposite direction. A group of scientists studying a volcano in Iceland took the opportunity to have a barbecue.

A video from Reuters shows researchers roasting hot dogs on lava from the newly active Geldingardalsgos volcano in Fagradalsfjall, Iceland. After staying dormant for roughly 6000 years, the volcano awoke with a violent eruption on March 19, 2021. The event marks the first volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula in more than eight centuries, and it's drawn thousands of spectators to the site.

The researchers were there to study the volcano, but they found time for fun as well. In the video below, you can watch them cook hot dogs by laying the sausages on the cooling lava. After toasting their buns the same way and dressing the hotdogs with ketchup, they enjoy the meal in the shadow of an active volcano.

Lava has been proven to be a suitable replacement for grills in the past. Several years ago, Syracuse University researchers with the Lava Project used volcanic heat to cook a feast of steaks and salmon as well as hot dogs. A lava-fueled barbecue sounds like a fun idea, but getting close to an active volcano is incredibly risky, so it's best to leave this activity to the experts.