QUICK REFERENCE
OFFICIAL RADIO: BMIR 94.5 FM (24/7 info, music, emergency updates) GATE RADIO: GARS 95.1 FM (arrival/departure info, wait times) CELL SERVICE: Limited and unreliable - don't count on it INTERNET: No public Wi-Fi, extremely limited cell data WHAT WHERE WHEN: Event guide with schedules, handed out at Gate
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
How do I find out what's happening? → BMIR radio, What Where When guide, camp schedules
Can I get cell service? → Very limited, text messages more likely than calls
Where's the post office? → Two locations: 3:00 & E, 8:01 & Esplanade
How do I contact someone off-playa? → Find someone with working cell service or internet
What's on the radio? → BMIR for official info, 15+ participant stations across FM dial
REMEMBER: Plan for minimal connectivity - bring offline entertainment and communication plans
See detailed radio information, communication options, and information sources below
Also see:
A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for emergency communication, message system)
B1: City Navigation (for digital maps, address lookup)
D2: Special Programs (for event schedules, art information)
E3: Legal & Behavioral (for media policies, photography rights)
Information hierarchy:
Emergency communication → A1 (BRC 911, Rangers, emergency messages)
Daily information → C2 (BMIR, Digital Services, What Where When)
Specific services → Use Digital Services to search, then relevant manual sections
Media/documentation → E3 (consent, commercial restrictions)
Radio Stations
BMIR 94.5 FM (Official Station)
BMIR (Burning Man Information Radio) broadcasts 24/7 on 94.5 FM throughout the event, providing essential announcements, weather updates, and emergency information alongside eclectic music programming curated by volunteer DJs from around the world. Because cellular service is spotty or nonexistent on playa, BMIR serves as the primary communication lifeline for real-time information about camp events, art installations, and critical safety announcements.
Full Name: Burning Man Information Radio Location: 5:30 & Esplanade Services: 24/7 information, music, community programming Key Content:
Emergency information and safety updates
Event schedules and announcements
Traffic and weather updates during Exodus
Community programming and interviews
PSAs (Public Service Announcements)
Studio Access:
Hours: Noon - 4:00pm daily
Services: Record PSAs, event promos, playa stories
Volunteer Opportunities: Check with station for on-air roles
GARS 95.1 FM (Gate Advisory Radio)
GARS (Gate Advisory Radio) is the volunteer radio network that provides real-time traffic and gate condition updates to help participants plan their arrival and departure times during the event. GARS operators monitor vehicle entry queues, road conditions, and gate wait times, broadcasting this essential information to help reduce congestion and make the gate experience smoother for everyone entering and leaving Black Rock City.
Purpose: Entry and departure information Content:
Arrival wait times and gate status
Exodus traffic updates and pulsing information
Road conditions and delays
Alternative route suggestions
When to Listen:
Arriving at or leaving the event
Planning departure during Exodus
Checking gate status for re-entry
Participant Radio Stations
Range: 87.9 FM to 107.9 FM
Radio Listening Options
Battery/Hand-Crank Radio: Most reliable option Phone Apps: iHeartRadio carries BMIR (when data available) Online Streaming: BMIR streams at bmir.org (connectivity permitting) Vehicle Radios: When parked and engine running
Cellular & Internet Communication
Cellular service in Black Rock City is extremely limited and unreliable due to the remote desert location, with most major carriers experiencing poor signal strength, frequent outages, and network congestion from tens of thousands of users attempting to connect simultaneously. Internet access is essentially non-existent for participants, as the event operates under principles of radical self-reliance and disconnection from the default world, though some essential city operations maintain limited connectivity for emergency and logistical purposes. However, some camps do offer limited internet access to their members or neighbors, and recent years have seen an increase in participants bringing personal satellite internet connections to the playa. Participants' best bets for finding connectivity are to check the whiteboard at Playa Info for camps offering access or to ask around in their own neighborhood for neighbors willing to share.
Cell Service Reality
Coverage: Limited and unreliable throughout event Carrier Variation: All carriers affected, no significant advantage Data vs. Voice: Text messages most likely to get through Peak Problems: Worse during high-traffic times and events
Communication Strategies
Text Messages:
More likely to go through than voice calls
Keep messages brief
Be patient with delays
Emergency Communications:
Use emergency message system (911@burningman.org)
Find participants with satellite communication devices
Use official Burning Man communication channels
Internet Access:
No public Wi-Fi available
Some camps may have private internet (ask politely)
Satellite internet extremely limited and expensive
Managing Communication Expectations
Pre-Event Planning:
Set communication schedules with home
Establish check-in protocols
Plan for radio silence periods
Download offline content and maps
Newspapers & Publications
Historically, participants have produced several periodic newspapers throughout the event, with publications providing essential information including weather forecasts, event schedules, safety announcements, and community news in print format. These newspapers have then been distributed at key locations including Playa Info, Center Camp, and other high-traffic areas.
At the time of printing of this manual, no newspapers or publications could be confirmed as returning in 2025. However, a lack of confirmation does not mean there are no newspapers!
If you have confirmation of a newspaper or other publication, please alert your Shift Lead!
Post Office Services
The Black Rock City Post Office operates as a functional USPS facility during the event, allowing participants to send and receive mail using the temporary zip code 89412, with regular postal pickup and delivery services connecting the playa to the outside world. However, like many things in Black Rock City, these post offices operate a little differently from those in the default world.
IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR 2025: The BRC POs are no longer able to receive packages for delivery in BRC. The Gerlach postmaster can no longer handle the volume of packages that we have received in recent years and has said that he will Return to Sender any packages mailed.
Two Post Office Locations
***There is no PO6 this year***
Receiving Mail On-Playa
US Postal Service (Most Reliable):
[Your Legal Name (as on ID)] C/O General Delivery Gerlach NV 89412
Via BRC3PO:
[Playa Name and Real Name] [Camp Name and Address] C/O BRC3PO PO BOX 265 Gerlach NV 89412-0265
Via PO9:
[Playa Name and Real Name] [Camp Name and Address] C/O PO9 PO BOX 149 Gerlach NV 89412-0149
Sending Mail From Playa
Limitations: Postcards and letters only Timeline: Will not be mailed until after the event Postage: Required for PO9 and PO@6 (not needed for BRC3PO)
Mail Service Reality
Delivery: Not guaranteed, volunteers do their best Frequency: Pickup from Gerlach varies during event Screening: Mail likely screened for prohibited items; NO PACKAGES will be delivered on playa Return Addresses: Critical for undeliverable mail
What, Where, When Guide
The What Where When (WWW) guide is Burning Man's printed schedule and map that lists many registered events, art installations, theme camp locations, and activities happening throughout Black Rock City during the week. Distributed at the gate upon entry and available at Playa Info for viewing only, the WWW serves as participants' primary reference for navigating the city and discovering the thousands of workshops, performances, parties, and experiences offered by the community, making it an essential tool for planning daily adventures on the playa. While the printed WWW contains a number of events, the digital version is estimated to contain 10x the number of entries.
Book Contents
Event Schedules: Daily programming and events Map: Detailed Black Rock City layout Art Information: Installation locations and descriptions Camp Directory: Theme camp locations and offerings Essential Info: Emergency numbers, policies, guidelines
Obtaining the Guide
Primary Distribution: One copy per participant at Gate entrance Backup Access: Reference copy at Playa Info (24/7 viewing) Limited Additional Copies: Greeters Station (6:00 & K) may have extras
Digital Alternative
Playa Info Directory: Digital Services terminals have comprehensive database Advantages: More current information, searchable format Location: Digital Services area at Playa Info
Using the Guide Effectively
Daily Planning: Check each day's events and schedules Navigation: Use map section for addresses and routing Discovery: Browse camp offerings for new experiences Reference: Keep emergency and policy information handy
Digital Services & Information Access
Digital Services Terminals
Location: Playa Info area Hours: Available 24 hours a day while Playa Info is operating Services:
Searchable camp and event directory
Lost & Found database searching
Interactive maps and navigation help
Updated event information
Directory Database Features
Search Functions:
Camp names and locations
Event types and schedules
Service offerings (repair, charging, etc.)
Accessibility services
Real-Time Updates: More current than printed materials Photo Integration: Some lost & found items have photos
Information Resources & Strategy
Primary Information Sources (In Order of Reliability)
BMIR 94.5 FM: Official information and emergency updates
What Where When Guide: Comprehensive printed reference
Digital Services: Searchable, updated database
Playa Info Volunteers: Human assistance and local knowledge
Camp Message Boards: Community-generated information
Information Planning Strategy
Before Arrival:
Download offline maps and information
Save important phone numbers and addresses
Plan communication windows with home
Prepare for limited connectivity
During Event:
Check BMIR regularly for updates
Use What Where When guide for daily planning
Ask neighbors and camps for local knowledge
Post and check message boards for community info
Communication Backup Plans
Primary: Text messages when cell service available Secondary: Emergency message system through Rangers/Playa Info Emergency: Official Burning Man communication channels Last Resort: Travel to Gerlach for phone/internet access
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Radio Guidance
BMIR Promotion:
"BMIR is your best source for official information"
"94.5 FM for emergency updates and event schedules"
"Listen during Exodus for traffic and wait time updates"
Managing Radio Expectations:
"Participant stations vary yearly and aren't always on schedule"
"Bring a battery-powered radio for reliable access"
Communication Reality Checks
Cell Service Questions:
"Cell service is limited and unreliable for everyone"
"Text messages are more likely to go through than calls"
"Plan for radio silence - it's part of the experience"
Internet Requests:
"No public Wi-Fi is available"
"Some camps have offer internet but it's limited"
"Download what you need before arriving"
Post Office Guidance
Mail Service Expectations:
"Delivery isn't guaranteed - volunteers do their best"
"For important items, use General Delivery in Gerlach"
"Include return addresses and detailed camp information"
Timeline Management:
"Outgoing mail won't be sent until after the event"
"Incoming mail pickup varies throughout the week"
What Where When Support
Guide Availability:
"One per participant at Gate - check with campmates first"
"Reference copy available here 24/7"
"Digital Services has more current information"
Guide Usage:
"Check it daily - events and schedules change"
"Use the map section for navigation help"
"Browse camp offerings to discover new experiences"
Information Triage
Help People Prioritize:
Emergency information: BMIR and official channels
Event planning: What Where When and Digital Services
Social coordination: Message boards and camp networks
Off-playa contact: Emergency message system