Constellation Burn

Guidelines for Fire in your Camp

NOTE: This policy is being reviewed for 2024 and is subject to change

FIRE IN YOUR CAMP

Constellation embraces Open Fire and Flame Effects which means we must act in a safe and responsible manner. The reality of a tent fire or a more serious situation arising from its misuse is a threat to the future of our event and participant safety.

OPEN FIRE

  1. Open fires are permitted in any camping area, Theme Camp or Open Camping, provided all of the following safety rules are followed.
  2. Open fires must be contained within a raised fire pit or burn barrel. The bottom surface is at least 6” from the ground to prevent baking or scarring of the ground surface.
  3. Open fires must be at least 10′ from any combustible (which includes tents and shelters) and 25′ from storage of liquid fuels such as gasoline or diesel.
  4. No open fire shall be left unattended. This includes candles, tiki torches or any open flame. At least one camp member will be designated fire tender and be within visual distance at all times. If found unattended while lit, open flames or burn barrels may be extinguished if there is sufficient hazard.
  5. If winds pick up, all open fire must be put out immediately and burn barrels must be extinguished if they begin to throw sparks.
  6. Open fire or burn barrels must be extinguished at the request of any Ranger or FRT personnel.
  7. There must be either an ABC fire extinguisher (5lb minimum) or a supply of at least 5 gallons of water on hand to extinguish the fire in case of high winds (wind can blow embers and sparks a long distance down the ground!) or other hazards. This must be kept in a clearly marked location at least 15 feet from the fire.
  8. Do not bring firewood from outside the event. Firewood will be provided.

FLAME EFFECTS AND PROPANE GAS FLAMES

A Flame Effect is defined as any device that is automated, switched, pressurized or having any other action other than simply being lit on fire. See Guidelines for Flame Effects.

  1. No large-scale Flame Effects using 40 or more gallons of fuel. Burning of large art installations that when fully engulfed in flames produce a tremendous amount of heat requires a Burn Shield Platform.
  2. No pressurized liquid fuels are to be used within the camping area.
  3. Flame Effects shall be secured and constructed in a way that the burning surface is at least 6” from the ground  to prevent baking or scarring of the ground surface.
  4. All fuel lines are to be manufactured and rated for LP gas. Note: compressed air hoses are not an acceptable substitute for LP gas line and will not be approved.
  5. If winds pick up, all Flame Effects must be put out.
  6. Any towers or artwork that incorporates fire shall be secured from the wind and safety perimeter increased appropriately.
  7. Flame Effects must be extinguished at the request of any Ranger or FRT personnel.
  8. No Flame Effect shall be left unattended. At least one camp member will be designated fire effect operator and be within visual distance at all times. If found unattended while lit, flame effects may be extinguished and/or confiscated if there is sufficient hazard.
  9. A 15 foot zone around the Flame Effect must be free of any flammable materials such as but not limited to; cloth, paper, tents, plastic, etc
  10. An appropriate safe perimeter will be maintained at all times to prevent injury to participants.
  11. All fuel storage is to be identified type and amount on a site layout of the camp.

NOTE ON FIREWORKS

We all love a good fireworks show but the use within the camping area is a violation of common sense and safety. Sparks and fire could ignite flammables in the camps and be difficult to fight and dangerous to campers. As part of our event stipulations with landowner the use of ANY pyrotechnics that are not part of a pre-registered and approved art project is forbidden and may result in steep fines and or arrest and possible ejection from the event.

We’d like to credit Transformus, DaveX and others for their help with these guidelines.