CREATING DANGEROUS ART SAFELY
The information and guidelines on this page is designed to promote the safe use of OPEN FIRE, FLAME EFFECTS, and PYROTECHNICS, both onstage and off. These are the same rules you will find in most cities and states regarding fire and pyrotechnics use. We encourage you to use these safety rules as a guide.
PERFORMANCE SAFETY TEAM
Burning Man has developed a Performance Safety Team (PST) that will assist you in the safe execution of Open Fire, Flame Effects, and/or Pyrotechnic art installations. The Performance Safety Team brings Artists, Fire Safety Personnel and Industry Professionals together. The aim is to communicate with and provide experienced support for artists both pre-event and on-site, to ensure the safe use of fire and pyrotechnics at the Burning Man event. This team consists of a Performance Safety Coordinator, Emergency Services Dept, Fire Rescue Branch Chief, two Licensed Pyrotechnicians, Ranger Liaison and various advisors. Take advantage of the knowledge that this team has to offer, for they are here to assist you.
Our agreements with the federal government are in the form of event stipulations. For public safety reasons, artwork utilizing Open Fire, Flame Effects and/or Pyrotechnic, require approval in the form of a laminate (license). The Performance Safety Team will issue the appropriate laminate once the artwork has been approved. The multiple step process for approval is not to bog down the artist but to assure that all safety regulations have been adhered to.
FLAME CLASSIFICATIONS
Burning Man has created a set of definitions that will help the artist to understand and plan for projects and camps involving fire. The artist may not know the size of the perimeter or whether Ranger support is needed for Open Fire. Or what size valve is needed for your Flame Effects but the Performance Safety Team is here to help you.
OPEN FIRE
- OPEN FIRE / LEVEL ONE -- Direct Contact with the Playa
- Art Installations, when fully engulfed in flames and producing a tremendous amount of heat, require a Burn Shield Platform and may or may not require a safety perimeter. This artwork may or may not require ranger support. A Burn Laminate WILL be needed for this level.
- OPEN FIRE / LEVEL TWO -- Enclosed Fire
- Art Installation with small - enclosed fire: candles, torches, fire barrel, raised container, etc. Precautions must be taken to make sure that anything that should Not be set on fire is kept away from flame. For example: fabric, sets, etc. As long as all fire is kept within an enclosed vessel there is no need for a Burn Shield Platform or a Burn Laminate.
- OPEN FIRE / LEVEL THREE
- Art Installation that is created in one location and is moved to an approved Burn Shield Platform for burning. The artwork could be burned after the Man has been set on fire OR at one of the public burn platforms along the Esplanade, depending on the most favorable schedule. A Burn Laminate will NOT be needed for this level.
FLAME EFFECTS
All flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any action other than simply being lit on fire; as well as projects using propane or liquid fuels.
PYROTECHNICS
Pyrotechnics refers to the art, craft and science of fireworks, which includes any explosives or projectiles. All Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material Used in Any Art Installation Or Performance Must Consist Of Consumer [1.4G Class C, UN0336] FIREWORKS Or Less.
Absolutely NO DISPLAY [1.3G CLASS B, UN0335] FIREWORKS (Professional Fireworks) Or Higher Will Be Permitted At Any Art Installation Or Performance.
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES
The Performance Safety Team and outside authorities, which include law enforcement, retain jurisdiction over all flame classifications. They have the right to request to see the laminate and if not presented can override, stop, alter, or cancel any artwork or performance with just cause. They have access to all areas of the artwork or performance at all times.
In order for the Performance Safety Team to perform this function, the team requires that you conform to the following guidelines, which are as follows:
- All artists and their crews are responsible for their own art. Because of the dangerous nature of fire, no one may display, exhibit, or discharge any flames without the authorization of the Performance Safety Team.
- Responsibility includes verification by testing, that the performance that you will be giving, or art installation you will be creating, will not endanger participants, performers or members of the Performance Safety Team that is there to assist you.
- Any carelessness, negligence or unsafe conditions shall not be tolerated.
- Do not drink, take drugs or smoke when working with pyrotechnics.
- No flame effects shall be used within the city or camping areas.
- No Open Fire shall be used within the city or camping area without permission.
- Common sense would dictate that all fuel tanks on the open playa must be protected from vehicle traffic and be well-lit at night.
- All Flame Effects and Pyrotechnic special effects operators and assistants must be 21 years of age or older and be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.
- Pyrotechnic Operators and assistance shall wear fire resistant clothing during the performances.
- For Pyrotechnic Art only people familiar with the safety considerations and hazards involved are permitted to do fuel loading (fueling props). Wearing personal safety gear (glasses, gloves, etc.) during fuel loading is required.
Fire Safety Liaison
- A knowledgeable representative of the art installation or performance shall serve as a Liaison, who is responsible for the exchange of information about the art installation to the Performance Safety Team. They will maintain communication of all aspects of the artwork pre-playa and during the event. Depending upon which Flame Classification the artists uses for creation, the following topics must be submitted: Scenario, Special Effects Material & Supplies, Diagrams, Performance Schedule, Safety Plan and Emergency Plan of Action during the use of the Pyrotechnic art. The "Artist" registering the artwork and the "Fire Safety Liaison" can be the same person or two different people.
- On-Playa: For the artwork to receive approval, the Fire Safety Liaison must attend a technical walk-through meeting the day prior to the use of Flame Effects and Pyrotechnic Special Effects & Material, with a member of the Performance Safety Team. If the pre-meeting is missed by Liaison, Artist will not be allowed to operate the Flame Effects or Pyrotechnic art.
Emergency Plan Of Action
- Any artist and their crew using Open Fire, Flame Effects and / or Pyrotechnics must develop an emergency plan of action. If an art installation or performance has received approval and has been scheduled, this emergency plan of action shall be submitted to the Performance Safety Team prior to the performance.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals must be supplied and must be kept on site.
- All safety concerns shall be considered and addressed by artists or performers and the Performance Safety Team to ensure a safe show.
Fire Performance Schedule
- Performance schedule can be either single performance or a series of nightly occurrences for the week of the Burning Man event. Never start a performance until all performers, safety team members and participant are in place and ready.
Daily Safety Check
- Daily Safety Check of all Flame Effects fuels, materials, hoses, pumps, wicking, pressure of tanks, etc. will be mandatory before the daily or nightly art installation / performance begins. If a safety hazard has been identified, the Fire Safety Liaison will halt the art installation / performance until such safety matters are taken care of.
- A safety sweep shall be performed before the show starts and after the show is over to identify hazards or undetonated pyrotechnics.
No Smoking Or Open Flame
- No Smoking Or Open Flame within 25 feet of any location of fuel, flammable liquids, hazardous materials or anything potentially dangerous, other than camping gear. All fuel and flammables shall be secured in approved containers, stored in a safe and secure area located a minimum of 50 feet away from any open flame.
- No Smoking Or Open Flames will be permitted within 25 feet of any point of assembly area where any pyrotechnic materials are.
- No pyrotechnics, flame or spark will be permitted to cross, enter, go over, under on, or around the audience.
Leave No Trace
- The Artist, fire safety liaison and performers are responsible for all clean up at the art installation / performance site after the Burning Man event. The area should be as clean as when you found it and must 'LEAVE NO TRACE'.
- The Artist and fire safety liaison must carry 'Spill Clean-Up Material' (like a shovel, rake, metal garbage can, etc.) for accidental spillage of material.
Safety Perimeters
- An appropriate Audience Safety Perimeter and Performer's Safety Zone shall be set well in advance of the performance and approved by the Performance Safety Team:
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4 feet |
Finger fire, handheld finger props. |
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15 feet |
Chains, staves, torches or smaller props. Chains and fire tools must come no closer than 5 feet to lights or overhead structures. |
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25 feet |
All scenery and decorations are flame retardant. Unless intended to combust. |
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50 or more feet |
Sparklers, fountains, firecrackers (Consumer Fireworks) or as approved by the Performance Safety Team. |
| Open Fire Perimeter - multiply the height of artwork times 2 (example, if artwork is 30 feet high the perimeter would be 60 feet radius). |
Containment Plan
- Storage of all fuels, flammables, and pyrotechnic materials shall be secured in approved containers, stored in a safe and secure area located a minimum of 100 feet from the open flame until used in the show.
- During setup and performance all fuel, flammables, and pyrotechnic materials shall be secured in 'ready boxes' and protected by the pyrotechnic operator and/or assistants. The 'ready boxes' shall be placed at least 25 feet from any ignition source.
- "READY BOX" definition from NFPA 1124 standards:
A Ready Box / Magazine (day box) shall be a portable structure that is fire-resistant, theft-resistant, and weather-resistant, and shall comply with the following provisions:- Ready Box / Magazine shall be equipped with a padlock.
- Ready Box / Magazines constructed of wood shall have sides, bottoms, and covers or doors of 4-in. (101.6-mm) hardwood, well-braced at the corners. They shall be covered with sheet metal of not less than 26 gauge. Nails exposed to the interior of the magazine shall be countersunk.
- Fuel containers and pyrotechnic containers shall be labeled with your name, the material and quantity of material in the containers.
- You shall have 'Spill Clean-Up Material' (like a shovel, rake, metal garbage can, etc.) available on site for accidental spillage of material.
- If you have any questions regarding Storage, you can contact the Performance Safety Team.
Burning Man's Definitions of Flammable Materials
- Combustibles -- Wood, Bamboo, Straw, Hay, Cloth, etc.
- Flammable Liquids -- Gasoline, Kerosene, etc.
- Compressed Gasses -- Propane, Nitrogen, Oxygen, etc.
- Pyrotechnics -- 'Consumer Fireworks'
First Aid
- A basic first aid kit should be available consisting of the following items: Non-petroleum-based burn cream or aloe vera gel, several rolls of 100% cotton gauze, and some large gauze pads, as well as a jug of water for flushing fuel.
- Severe burns should be treated by Emergency Medical Services. Medical teams are available in Center Camp or in the plazas located at 3 and 9 o'clock in our city.
- In case of fire, on a person's body or clothing, remember this rule: Stop, Drop & Roll! Many people have saved their own lives by dropping and rolling when their clothes caught fire.
- STOP -- Stop where you are -- DO NOT RUN!
- DROP --
Drop to the ground or to the floor and cover your face with your hands.
- ROLL -- Roll to put out the flames.
- Cool a burn right away with water, and obtain medical help.
- If you are near someone whose clothing catches fire, be sure to stop him or her from running and make them STOP, DROP and ROLL!
Fire Fighting
- You shall have a fire extinguisher available in case of accidental fire.
- You shall have a wet blanket or towel available in case of an accidental burn to a person, i.e. smothering the fire on the face of a fire breather, or extinguishing a prop.
Fire Extinguisher Notes
Learn all about fire extinguishers on our Fire Extinguishers page.
GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF FIRE ART
The following guidelines concern specific types of fire used in installations and performances.- Open Fire Level Two art projects, burn Barrels and Fire in your camp.
- Flame Effects
- Guidelines and design suggestions for Burn Platforms
Open Fire Level Two art projects, Burn Barrels and Fire in your camp.
The use of Open Fire such as a burn barrel, torches, candles etc can create an area that will bring in participants to gather at its warmth. Although this type of fire is generally less intense than that of Flame Effects one must still be vigilant in their safe use. The following are some guidelines that must be met when using Open Fire in your project.- Open Fires must be secured from tipping or falling. The playa can experience drastic changes in weather in a short time frame. The wind can create powerful gusts that can spread sparks from Burn Barrels or tip over Tiki Torches and candles.
- Open Fires must have a charged fire extinguisher of an appropriate type or water in buckets to extinguish and fire resulting from the open fire. Note: water must never be applied to a fire fueled by liquids such as lamp oil or Kerosene. Water can only spread these types of fires. If you are using a liquid fuel you must have a dry-chem fire extinguisher on hand.
- Any supply of wood kept on the playa must be placed on a tarp and be covered to prevent bark and other wood debris from contacting the playa and becoming a cleanup issue.
- No Open Fire shall ever be left unattended. Fires found unattended will be extinguished and repeat offences will result in the confiscation of the offending items.
Guidelines for Flame Effects
The majority of flame effects that we see on the playa are Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP), more commonly propane. Most of the guidelines below deal with that as a fuel. Regardless of fuel type or technological basis, all flame effects must be constructed in such a way as to meet or exceed applicable laws, codes, and industry standards.
- All LP gas tanks must have an unexpired certification date stamp and be in good working order. Tanks in poor condition or out of date are a danger to fill and may cause injury to the fuel team, the artists, and/or participants.
- All LP Flame Effects must have 1/4-turn shut-off valves at each fuel supply connection as a primary emergency fuel shutoff point. These valves must be exposed and visible at all times. This valve also gives the artist control of the gas supply without having to manipulate the multi-turn supply valve on the tank itself.
- All fuel lines used must be rated for both pressure and for the type of fuel being used. This information must be printed on the fuel lines at the time of on-playa inspection. Air or pneumatic line is not acceptable as fuel hose. LP gas degrades rubber hose not specifically designed for use with that fuel. This results in the hose cracking from the inside out, potentially leading to a catastrophic failure.
- All fittings, piping, valves and connectors must also be designed for and rated for the pressures and fuel type used. The use of lead soldered fittings is prohibited in the fuel systems of any Flame Effect. The use of improper fittings can lead to leaks and failures in the fuel system resulting in fires and or injury.
- Hose clamps are prohibited on any fuel lines. All fuel hose connections must be factory made, or constructed with a crimped fitting specifically designed for that purpose. Hose clamps are well known for cutting and chafing fuel lines, or coming loose, possibly leading to catastrophic failure.
- Accumulators, pressure vessels, and all associated piping and fittings must be rated for the operating pressures at which your Flame Effect is operating. Any welding to or of old propane tanks used as accumulators or pressure vessels must be done by an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) certified welder, and must be re-stamped and certified as such. Catastrophic failure of accumulators or pressure vessels can result in leaks or explosions.
- In Flame Effects where the gas supply pressure is higher than the rated operating pressure of the accumulators or pressure vessels, a regulator must be properly installed on the supply side of the accumulator or pressure vessel. Also, an over-pressure device must be properly installed in the vapor space of the accumulator or pressure vessel.
- Flame Effects must never be left unattended. The winds in the desert are highly variable, and may create havoc in a poorly monitored installation, including fires or explosions. Any Flame Effect found running unattended will be shut down. Egregious or repeat offenses will result in the confiscation or disabling of the Effect.
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IMPORTANT:
If you ARE using Open Flame, Flame Effects, or Pyrotechnics in your work of art, it is mandatory that you have a burn scar protection plan.
If you have any questions concerning: Art installations in general: email installations (at) burningman (dot) com Open Fire: email: fire-art (at) burningman (dot) com Flame Effects: email flame-effects (at) burningman (dot) com Pyrotechnics: email pyro (at) burningman (dot) com |
Theme Camp & Art Installation Questionnaire
Finally, visit our Project Registration Questionnaires page to fill out an art installation questionnaire to register your project.
