The Fagradals Mountain volcano in southwest Iceland had been dormant for 6,000 years. But now, following weeks with tens of thousands of earthquakes in the area, the volcano has come to life.

The eruption is also the first that the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the volcano is located, has experienced in 781 years.

The eruption was seen with bright lava oozing out of the earth and spilling lava down two sides, lighting up an otherwise stark dark night. The current fissure is estimated to be around 1,640 feet long.

The glow from the lava could be seen up to 20 miles away from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, with a distinct orange glow seen in the low clouds on the peninsula.

Police told people to stay indoors and keep their windows closed to prevent gas pollution. When volcanoes erupt, the lava spews several potentially hazardous gases, including sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Scientists and officials are monitoring the emissions of the volcano closely but have said thus far that no volcanic ash is detected, but high level of volcanic gases have been measured close to the eruption site.

Officials are saying that as of now it is not considered a threat to surrounding towns but they ask people to keep away from the immediate area and stay safe.

In 2010, another volcano erupted in Iceland and spewed volcanic ash that spread and caused massive flight disruptions in Europe and affected travel worldwide.