FAI Fire Policy for events
FAI’s policies on fire are centered on one goal - keeping everyone safe.
If your camp is found to have violated these rules, you will get one warning. A second instance will be grounds for expulsion.
Camp Fires
Participants may have fires in their campsites, provided that they follow these rules. Ground fires are prohibited.
Any fire must be contained in a fire container (burn barrel, fire bowl, etc.) that is raised at least 6 inches off the ground
The fire cannot be built up to the point that embers or ashes are falling off the sides
There must always be someone attending to the fire. Unattended fires must be extinguished, including art and burn barrels.
Candles And Torches
Candles and torches are not allowed.
Prohibited Items
Fireworks of any type are prohibited at all FAI events. The use of fireworks will result in immediate expulsion from the event. If the Event Committee decides to allow a pyrotechnic display, it will be done by a licensed pyrotechnics company that is hired for the show.
Wish lanterns (paper lanterns that use a candle to generate lift so they fly away) are absolutely prohibited. They are a fire hazard and are illegal in the state of Georgia.
Fire Performers
Performers use a variety of flammable tools to provide entertainment. They are an integral part of FAI events, and we have worked hard to make fire performances as safe as possible. All performers are expected to follow these rules and assist one another to perform safely.
You must be sober when performing.
While performing you must have a safety person. The safety person must be sober, paying attention as you perform, and ready with a fire blanket. Wet towels are not sufficient. The blanket must be an appropriate material for extinguishing your tools or your person.
All fuel must be stored safely. Fuel canisters and dipping containers must be closed when not being used. Areas set aside for fire performances will have a marked fuel storage area and your fuel must be in that fuel storage area when performing there.
All theme camps that will allow fire spinning in their camp must have a designated fueling area that is marked. No spinning will be allowed within 10' of this area. The camps must also have a fire extinguisher. Fire Service has a limited number of fueling stations that will be loaned out to the community on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like one of these stations please email fire safety.
If you see someone performing without a safety, tell them to put it out! It is your civic responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.
If you see a situation where someone is being unsafe and they are not responding to requests to stop, please look for anyone with a radio and ask them to call for the Fire Service on-duty team. The Fire Service team will deal with the situation.
Flame Effect Art
All fire art that uses active flame must be inspected by the Fire Service prior to operation. The art piece will be tagged and a record kept. Please contact the Fire Service prior to the event to register. Once on site ask anyone with a radio to request Fire Service inspect your art.
A flame effect is defined as “The combustion of solids, liquids, or gases to produce thermal, physical, visual, or audible phenomena before an audience.” This includes all flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any other action than simply being lit on fire; as well as projects using propane or other gaseous fuels.
Liquid fuel flame effects are NOT permitted at FAI events.
Propane fueled flame effects are allowed, provided they are properly constructed and safely operated. If you have a flame effect you want to use at an FAI event, you need to contact Alchemy Fire Service to arrange for an on-site inspection. You are not allowed to use a flame effect until after it has been inspected and approved by a Fire Service member. Once your device has been approved, you must insure that it is only operated by yourself or others you have trained. Operators must be fully sober and alert, know how the device operates, know how to use a fire extinguisher, and know emergency shut down procedures. Rangers and Fire Service volunteers may ask you to shut down your effect for a variety of reasons, and you are expected to immediately comply.
All flame effects must be registered with the Alchemy Fire Service. It is heavily encouraged that you submit a preregistration form prior to the event so we know where your flame effect will be and when you will be arriving with it. This will facilitate a quicker and smoother inspection process.
Absolutely no flame effects may be operated on site prior to inspection, at which time if your flame effect passes inspection, it will be tagged.
For larger flame effects, a safety perimeter may be needed and will be determined on a case by case basis. As always, flame effects must be operated safely and with sufficient clearance of all trees, people, and flammable materials. For mobile and/or wearable flame effects, it is heavily encouraged that a spotter watch behind and beside the flame effect operator to ensure that safety is maintained.
***DMX512 is not approved for hazardous applications such as flame effects (per NFPA 160 and ANSI standard E11.1). Any flame effect utilizing DMX512 will not be approved for use at Alchemy ***
All LP gas cylinders must have an unexpired certification date stamp and must be in good
working order.
Each fuel supply connection much have a 1/4turn shutoff valve, and each valve must be exposed and visible at ALL TIMES.
All fuel lines must be rated for both the pressure and the type of fuel that is being used. The maximum operating pressure must be marked by the manufacturer, and all hoses being operated in excess of 5 psi should be designed for a working pressure of at least 350 psi. Air or pneumatic lines or connectors are absolutely unacceptable.
All fittings, piping, valves, and connectors must be rated for the pressure and the type of fuel being used. Schedule 80 pipe and fittings (or equivalent) are required for flame effects which operate at a pressure greater than 125 psi.
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.
Accumulators must be rated for the operating pressures at which your flame effect is operating. Any tanks or accumulators that have been altered must be fabricated by an ASME certified welder, and must be stamped and certified as such.
If the gas supply pressure exceeds the maximum allowable operating pressure of the accumulator, a regulator should be installed between the fuel supply and the accumulator. Additionally, a pressure relief valve must be installed in the accumulator.
Art & Structure Fires
FAI has specific procedures to manage the burning of the Effigy and Temple structures. They are built specifically to be burned, with minimal residue. Alchemy Fire Service has documented the process and planning for preparing, burning, and monitoring these larger fires. Refer to the Structure Fire planning documents.
Some art pieces that are built to be burned are allowed at each event. Those pieces are approved by the Art team and the Fire Service. Burnable art pieces follow these guidelines:
May not be more than 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide
Must be made predominately of natural materials (small trees, branches, vines, etc).
May use a small amount of plywood or prepared wood pieces to provide support.
Screws and nails may be used to secure pieces. They must be collected and carried away after the fire is cooled
No newspaper, cardboard, magazines, posterbaord, or other paper based products. These have the potential to create large embers that might start fires in other areas
No synthetic fabrics, plastics, or other melting hazards
You may use paint on the piece, but please keep it to the minimum needed. Do not use fire resistant paints.
The Fire Service on-duty lead will make the decision on burning any art installation at the time scheduled, and their decision is final
Fire Under Structures
No open flames or sources of heat are allowed underneath any pavilion or covering. This includes, but is not limited to: Flame effects, cooking burners/grills/griddles, and fire pits.
Cooking will not be allowed under pavilions. We are not able to make exception to this because of inclement weather. Please have this in mind when planning your meals/kitchens.