A fireplace, burn barrel, or BBQ (in permitted areas only) may be used for small fires within camps. Burn barrels must be contained and elevated at least 6 inches off the playa. Only unpainted wood can be burned in burn barrels — the burning of trash or other materials is not allowed. Small quantities of paper and cardboard can be burned for kindling, and burning these requires a wire mesh cover over burn barrels to prevent embers and ash from flying out. Large quantities of cardboard and paper should be recycled and packed out.
Unnecessary burning of anything is discouraged. It should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway — don’t burn anything that isn’t yours to burn. If you do have something you want to burn, the first rule is, “Don’t burn anything on the unprotected playa.” The playa surface is vulnerable to scarring. Burning directly on the playa bakes the surface into a dark, brick-like material. Burn scars can last for years, and over time they form bumps, which are hazardous to vehicles. Volunteers have spent thousands of hours cleaning up burn scars in the past. It’s your responsibility to prevent them.
If you plan to use a burn barrel, bring a shovel and metal containers to scoop and remove ashes. All burn barrels must be elevated at least 6″ off the playa surface to prevent burn scars — this is part of our Federal permit. You are responsible for disposing of ash from anything you burn. Learn more about fire in camps here.
Burn Gardens / Wood Donation Stations
Now located only on 5:30 Esplanade in front of MOOP Map HQ, burn platforms for the BURNING OF WOOD ONLY will be open to the community from Sunday, September 1, at 10am through Tuesday, September 3. Our friendly volunteer staff will be on hand to direct you as well as receive any donations of new and unused lumber. NO BURNING CARDBOARD, PAPER, COMPOST, RECYCLING, TRASH, OR TOXIC MATERIALS IN THE BURN PLATFORMS.