QUICK REFERENCE
FIRE SAFETY: F.A.S.T. team at ARTery (Esplanade & 6:30), permits required for all fire art FUEL STORAGE: Store minimal amounts, use drip pans, report spills to Rangers/ESD immediately LEAVE NO TRACE: Pack it in, pack it out - no public trash cans, no dumping on playa SOUND POLICY: 75 decibel limit at camp borders, large-scale sound in designated zones only MOOP: Matter Out Of Place - every piece of litter affects future event permits
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Can I have a campfire? → Only in designated burn gardens with untreated wood, or with fire permit
Where do I dump gray water? → Never on playa - use evaporation, containment, or take off-playa
How loud can my music be? → Conversational level (75 dB) at neighboring camp borders
What counts as MOOP? → Anything that doesn't belong on playa: trash, food, liquids, cigarette butts
Can I burn my trash? → NO - burning trash is illegal and harmful, pack it out instead
REMEMBER: Environmental violations can affect Burning Man's future permits and community access
See detailed safety protocols, environmental guidelines, and compliance requirements below
Also see:
A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for emergency response, spill reporting)
E1: Vehicle Policies (for vehicle safety integration)
F3: Waste & Cleanup (for Leave No Trace implementation, cleanup requirements)
C1: Basic Needs (for food safety, fuel storage safety)
Safety & environmental compliance:
Emergency situations → A1 (immediate response) + E2 (protocols)
Policy compliance → E2 (requirements) + F3 (implementation)
Violations/accidents → A1 (emergency response) + E2 (reporting)
Education/prevention → E2 (guidelines) + community resources
Fire Safety
Fire Arts Safety Team (F.A.S.T.)
Location: ARTery Pavilion (Esplanade & 6:30) Purpose: Oversee all fire-related activities and installations Authority: Issues all fire permits and safety approvals Consultation: Available for fire safety planning and questions
Fire Permit Requirements
Who Needs Permits:
All fire art installations (any size)
Flame effects on Mutant Vehicles
Community fire performances
Any open flame displays intended for public viewing
Permit Process:
Application: Must be submitted pre-event
On-Playa Approval: F.A.S.T. issues permit laminates on-site
Inspection Required: Safety inspection before first use
Documentation: Permit must be displayed during operation
Fire Safety Equipment Requirements
Fire Extinguishers:
Mandatory: All camps and villages must have designated fire extinguishers
Location: Mounted on posts in full view
Type Considerations: Avoid ABC extinguishers in kitchens (contamination risk)
Kitchen Alternatives: Damp towels recommended for cooking fires
Emergency Fire Suppression:
Playa Dirt: Can be used to smother flames
Equipment: Buckets of dirt and shovels available
Water: Limited effectiveness, may spread grease fires
Sand: Alternative to dirt for flame suppression
Community Burn Gardens
Locations: Esplanade at 5:30 ONLY Operating Hours: Sunday (after Man Burn) at 10:00am through Tuesday (post-event) Supervised Operation: Burn Garden volunteers direct safe burning
Accepted Materials:
Untreated scrap wood ONLY
Size Requirements: Must fit within platform boundaries
Preparation: Break down large pieces before bringing
PROHIBITED in Burn Gardens:
Cardboard, paper, compost, recycling
Treated lumber, painted wood, composite materials
Couches, furniture, rugs, PVC pipes
Any trash or non-wood materials
Toxic or synthetic materials
Fuel and Fire Safety Integration
Fuel Storage Near Fire:
Maintain safe distances between fuel storage and ignition sources
Use approved containers and storage methods
Never store fuel in direct sunlight or heat
Keep fire suppression equipment nearby
Spill Prevention:
Use drip pans under generators and vehicles
Check for leaks daily
Address mechanical issues immediately
Have spill response materials available
Fuel Safety and Storage
Fuel Storage Principles
Minimize Storage: Store as little fuel as possible in camps Professional Delivery: Large generators should be filled daily by PETROL Department Safety Distance:
10 ft. or greater must be maintained between any stored fuels (liquid fuels and compressed or liquefied fuel gasses) and any combustible materials (e.g., shade structures or tents) or sources of ignition (cars, trailers, etc.)
20 ft. is required between liquid fuel storage areas and liquified petroleum gas (propane) storage areas
A fire lane of 20 ft. shall be kept free of obstructions to provide emergency access for fire vehicles if needed. EXCEPTION: Fuel storage of less than 20 gallons does not require a fire lane
No fuel storage area shall be closer than 50 ft. from another fuel storage area
Container Standards: All fuel and flammables must be stored in approved containers that must remain closed except when filling, dispensing, or venting. Fuel containers must be stored in a secondary containment device or structure capable of holding 110% of the largest single fuel container.
Hazardous Material Compliance
Legal Requirements: Comply with BLM permit stipulations and federal regulations Event Permits: Improper fuel storage can affect future Burning Man permits Personal Safety: Protect yourself and neighbors from fire and health hazards Environmental Protection: Prevent contamination of playa surface and groundwater
Spill Prevention and Response
Daily Inspections:
Check vehicles, generators, and containers for leaks
Look for stains or odors indicating fuel problems
Address mechanical issues before they become spills
Use protective barriers (tarps, cardboard) under potential leak sources
Spill Response Protocol:
Immediate Action: Stop the source of spill if safely possible
Containment: Prevent spread using absorbent materials or barriers
Reporting: Fuel spills with contaminated playa that cannot fit in a five-gallon bucket should be reported to Earth Guardians, Black Rock Rangers or ESD. Reports should include specific location and contact person at that location, and who will remain on site until the response team arrives
Cleanup: Dig up and remove contaminated soil
Disposal: Contaminated materials must be disposed as hazardous waste
Spill Reporting Requirements:
Small Spills: Under 1 gallon - clean up immediately and document
Large Spills: Over 1 gallon or cannot fit in 5 gallon bucket with contaminated playa - report to Rangers/ESD immediately
Ongoing Leaks: Report regardless of size to prevent accumulation
Health Hazards: Any spill creating health or safety risk
Fuel Transportation Safety
Vehicle Inspection: Check for leaks before and during transport Secure Storage: Prevent fuel containers from shifting or falling Vapor Management: Ensure adequate ventilation during transport Route Planning: Avoid high-traffic areas when transporting fuel
Note: Fuel spills are most likely to occur at the point of transfer. Take precautions to protect the playa surface by transferring fuel over a secondary containment or absorbent material.
Leave No Trace Principles
Core Leave No Trace Philosophy
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Everything you bring must leave with you Leave Only Positive Traces: Improve the environment when possible Respect for Place: Honor the Black Rock Desert and its ecosystem Future Access: Environmental protection ensures continued event access
MOOP (Matter Out Of Place)
Definition: Any material that doesn't naturally belong on the playa Examples: Trash, food scraps, cigarette butts, drink spills, feathers, glitter Impact: Every piece of MOOP affects the event's environmental assessment Responsibility: All participants responsible for preventing and cleaning MOOP
Worst MOOP of 2024 (Top 3):
Tent Stake/Rebar/Cement Stakes/Lag Bolts
Plastic Debris
Wood
MOOP Prevention Strategies
Never Let It Hit the Ground:
Use tarps under high-activity areas and containment devices (kitchens, construction, parties)
Secure all loose items against wind
Use containers and covers for small objects
Plan activities to minimize MOOP generation
Clean As You Go:
Daily MOOP sweeps of camp areas
Address spills and messes immediately
Don't wait until departure to start cleaning
Regular maintenance prevents overwhelming cleanup
Gray Water Management
Prohibited: Dumping any gray water directly on playa surface Gray Water Sources: Dish water, shower water, ice melt, drinking water runoff Why Prohibited: Creates sticky mud, introduces contaminants, violates BLM permits
Approved Gray Water Methods:
Evaporation Systems: Designed containers that allow water to evaporate
Containment: Collection in tanks for off-playa disposal
Professional Services: Contract with approved waste services
Minimal Generation: Reduce gray water production through conservation
Final Camp Cleanup Protocol
Grid Sweeps:
Pack Everything: Load all belongings and trash into vehicles first
Flatten Dunes: Break up dust accumulations around structures
Line Sweep: Form line across camp, walk slowly looking down
Systematic Coverage: Ensure every square foot is examined
Final Inspection: Walk camp perimeter checking for missed areas
Community Cleanup Obligation:
Personal Responsibility: Clean your own items and camp thoroughly
Community Service: Contribute 2 hours to general city cleanup
Group Efforts: Join Earth Guardians tours and MOOP trains
Collective Responsibility: Everyone's effort protects future events
Sound Policy
Sound Level Guidelines
Conversational Level Standard: 75 decibels (dbA) at neighboring camp border or street center Measurement Point: Whichever is closer - neighbor's camp edge or street centerline Bass Considerations: Low-frequency sound (dbC) negotiated with neighbors Context Sensitivity: Consider time of day, nearby activities, and community events
Generator Sound Note: The hum of generators becomes annoying over a long period of time. Please keep your neighbors in mind. We recommend generators that are sound insulated and/or enclosed in a wooden box. Do not dig a trench to sound-insulate your generator.
Large-Scale Sound Zones
Designated Areas: Along 2:00 and 10:00 avenues facing open playa Speaker Orientation: MUST face away from the city toward open playa. Speakers must be elevated off the playa surface and backed by a truck, RV, or anything large and solid enough to prevent the sound from traveling backward. Volume Measurement: 100 feet into open playa for Esplanade locations Purpose: Contain high-volume sound installations away from residential camping
Neighbor Communication and Resolution
Primary Resolution: Direct communication between camps about sound levels Negotiation: Work together to find acceptable volume and time schedules Compromise: Balance sound expression with neighbor comfort Documentation: Keep records of agreements for future reference
Sound Complaint Process
Step 1: Direct Communication
Neighbors should attempt to resolve issues personally first
Approach with respect and willingness to compromise
Focus on specific problems and solutions
Step 2: Ranger Mediation
If direct resolution fails, contact Black Rock Rangers
Provide specific information: exact source, time, nature of disturbance
Rangers will attempt mediation between parties
Step 3: Formal Action
Rangers may conduct volume checks and measurements
Official warnings issued if violations confirmed
Continued violations may result in equipment disabling
Sound Policy Enforcement Consequences
Progressive Enforcement:
Volume Check: Rangers measure sound levels and mediate
Official Warning: Documented warning with compliance requirements
Equipment Disabling: Sound system shutdown for continued violations
Placement Impact: Violations affect future camp placement consideration
Special Event Sound Considerations
Man Burn: Follow all standard sound policies plus special considerations Temple Burn: Respectful volume and appropriate content required Community Events: Coordinate with event organizers for sound support Art Installations: Respect ongoing art experiences and performances
Environmental Compliance and Monitoring
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Requirements
Permit Compliance: All activities must comply with federal land use permits Environmental Assessment: BLM monitors environmental impact annually Future Access: Permit renewal depends on environmental compliance Legal Authority: BLM can issue citations and fines for violations
Earth Guardians Program
Location: Esplanade & 5:00 Services: Environmental education, Leave No Trace training, cleanup coordination Resources: MOOP bags, educational materials, compliance assistance Tours: Daily tours teaching environmental stewardship and cleanup techniques
Environmental Monitoring and Reporting
Daily Monitoring: Earth Guardians and BLM staff monitor compliance Documentation: Violations and cleanup efforts are recorded Post-Event Assessment: Comprehensive environmental impact evaluation Community Feedback: Participants can report environmental concerns
Protecting Playa Ecosystem
Fairy Shrimp: Dormant creatures that revive with rain - protect their habitat Soil Integrity: Prevent compaction and contamination of playa surface Water Resources: Protect groundwater from fuel and chemical contamination Wildlife: Respect birds and other animals that use the area seasonally
Emergency Environmental Response
Fuel Spill Emergency Response
Immediate Actions:
Ensure personal safety first
Stop leak source if safely possible
Eliminate ignition sources in area
Contact Rangers or ESD immediately
Emergency Equipment:
Spill response kits with absorbent materials
Fire extinguishers rated for fuel fires
Communication device to call for help
Personal protective equipment
Fire Emergency Procedures
Fire Response Priority:
Ensure human safety first
Call for Emergency Services (BRC 911)
Use appropriate fire suppression if safe
Evacuate area if fire spreads
Provide clear access for emergency responders
Fire Prevention:
Daily equipment inspections
Proper fuel storage and handling
Fire suppression equipment maintenance
Clear evacuation routes and plans
Environmental Incident Reporting
When to Report:
Any fuel spill over 1 gallon
Fire incidents or near-misses
Significant MOOP releases (windstorm damage, etc.)
Gray water violations or spills
Wildlife incidents or concerns
How to Report:
Contact Rangers or ESD immediately
Provide location, description, and safety status
Remain on scene until authorities arrive
Document incident with photos if safe
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Fire Safety Education
Permit Requirements:
"All fire art requires permits applied for before the event"
"F.A.S.T. issues permit laminates on-playa after safety inspection"
"Community burn gardens are for untreated wood only - no trash burning"
Safety Equipment:
"Every camp must have fire extinguishers mounted in view"
"Avoid ABC extinguishers in kitchens - use damp towels for cooking fires"
"Playa dirt and sand can smother flames in emergencies"
Fuel Safety Guidance
Storage Best Practices:
"Store as little fuel as possible - daily delivery is safer"
"Use drip pans under generators and vehicles"
"Report any spill over a gallon to Rangers immediately"
Spill Response:
"Stop the leak if safe, contain the spill, call for help"
"Contaminated soil must be dug up and taken off-playa"
"Don't try to handle large spills alone - get professional help"
Leave No Trace Education
MOOP Prevention:
"Never let it hit the ground - use tarps and containers"
"Clean as you go - don't wait until departure"
"Every piece of litter affects our future permits"
Gray Water Management:
"Never dump gray water on the playa - it creates mud and contamination"
"Use evaporation systems, containment, or professional disposal services"
"Ice melt and dish water count as gray water"
Sound Policy Clarification
Volume Guidelines:
"Conversational level means people can talk normally at camp borders"
"Large sound installations belong in designated zones facing open playa"
"Neighbors should try to resolve sound issues directly first"
Enforcement Reality:
"Rangers will mediate if neighbors can't resolve issues"
"Violations can affect future camp placement"
"Equipment can be disabled for continued violations"
Environmental Compliance Messaging
Community Responsibility:
"Environmental violations affect everyone's future access"
"BLM monitors our impact and can revoke permits"
"Two hours of community cleanup is expected from everyone"
Positive Framing:
"Good environmental practices protect this amazing venue"
"Leave No Trace is about respecting our temporary home"
"Environmental stewardship is part of Burning Man values"
Common Misconceptions to Address
"It's the desert, my trash won't matter" → Every piece affects environmental assessment and future permits "I can burn my trash to get rid of it" → Burning trash is illegal and toxic, must pack out all waste "Gray water will just evaporate" → Creates mud, introduces contaminants, violates federal permits "Sound rules are just suggestions" → Violations have real consequences including equipment shutdown