Fire Policies

Emergence is, among other things, a fire arts event, and we welcome artistic expressions involving fire. If you have any fire art (including burn barrels or other open fires and flame effects), you must get it inspected by F.A.ST. prior to burning.

Emergence is also, among other things, held in a nature reserve. This means we have a civic responsibility to act in a safe and responsible manner, with respect to the land we are on.

Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring fire art by filling in that section of the multiform.

You can contact our fire safety team at FireResponse@EmergenceBurn.org.

All fires, whether they be flame art, fire spinning, or campfires, must be attended at all times.

Ground fires are not permitted. This refers to fires that are not contained within some kind of ring, barrel, or fire safe container.

If you wish to have a fire at your camp, you will need to bring your own method of fire containment. Clear brush, leaves, and pine needles at least 5 feet back from the fire pit.

Burn only wood in the campfires.

NO OUTSIDE FIREWOOD ALLOWED. On site wood will be provided. This is to protect the forest from pests.

F.A.S.T. may implement additional restrictions depending on current local conditions. In 2025, there was a statewide burn ban during Emergence.

Sharing your flow art, collaborating with other spinners, and burning brightly for all to see can be some of the most amazing and rewarding burn experiences. We enthusiastically welcome all levels of fire performers at Emergence and have just a few rules to make sure everyone stays safe.

Fire spinning is allowed only in pre-approved spaces. Please contact our Conclave leads if you would like to host a fire performance space. You can find them at the fire safety meetings in the afternoon at the Effigy burn field. Check the schedule for exact times or check in at Heart Core.

Don’t spin fire if you are inebriated and can’t do so safely.

Store your fuel safely and closed! There will be a safe fuel station located at the designated fire circle.

All performers must have a fire safety spotter. Find a responsible and sober spotter when you want to play with fire.

Spotters must have a fire blanket or appropriate material to be used as a fire blanket. WET TOWELS are NOT sufficient.

If you wish to participate in the designated fire circle, a few notes on etiquette, we ask that those who wish to spin fire take turns providing safety spotting to other spinners as you rotate through the burn queue. When you walk up, please show courtesy and safety awareness to anyone who maybe occupying the space. When in doubt, look for or ask for a team lead.

If you see someone spinning without a spotter/safety, tell them to put it out! It is your Civic Responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.

Conclave is a fun and wonderful opportunity to showcase your skills alongside other fire performers by participating in a coordinated display of fire and flow artistry before the effigy burn Saturday night.

If you wish to participate in Conclave at Emergence, you must attend a safety meeting. Consult the event calendar for times and locations of the safety meeting. The Conclave Lead will go over logistics and everything you need to know to be a part of our epic performance.

PLEASE BRING A SAFETY WITH YOU! We need to train them as well.

All props and skill levels are encouraged to join. If you don’t attend the meeting you won’t perform!

Please don’t schedule yourself for a Saturday 2pm volunteer shift if you wish to participate in Conclave. There are also volunteer shifts available for anyone interested in being a Conclave-specific Fire Safety Spotter. You can find those shifts on the volunteer signups page.

Any questions regarding fire performing or Conclave can be directed to the on-site Conclave Lead or Co-Leads, or emailed to fire@emergenceburn.org.