Policies & Guidelines

1. Notifying the Appropriate Authorities
   1. During the pre-planning phase, the Requestor must contact the University of Louisville Fire Marshal, 30 days prior the event, who will act as liaison in obtaining written approvals from the appropriate state and local authorities. Such authorities may include the Louisville Fire Prevention Bureau, Jefferson County Air Pollution Control District (JCAPCD), and the University Physical Plant. The recreational outdoor fire permit will be supplied and signed by Louisville Fire Prevention Bureau (LFPB) at the completion of a burn site inspection as attended by LFPB and the University Fire Marshal. The permit must then be forwarded to JCAPCD for final approval. Copies of the approved permit shall be forwarded to the University Physical Plant, University Dept. Environment Health/Safety, Louisville Fire Prevention Bureau, Fire Engine Company #18, and the Requestor (see contact numbers below).
2. Requests to erect a recreational outdoor fire must be received by the U of L Department of Public Safety no less than 30 days prior to the date of the event.
3. Representatives from University of Louisville DPS, Physical Plant, and Louisville Fire Department will determine if appropriate safety personnel and equipment will be available to accommodate the event.
4. Representatives from DPS, the Requestor, and Louisville Fire Prevention Bureau will inspect the proposed recreational outdoor fire site and will review safety requirements with the Requestor prior to the event.
5. Prevailing Winds
   1. Prevailing winds may not exceed twenty miles per hour (20mph) for at least 30 minutes before the fire is set, or the event must be postponed until such time as the wind velocity has receded to 20mph or less. To verify prevailing wind speeds and direction contact the National Weather Service at the Louisville International Airport.  (968-5195)
6. Fueling the Fire
   1. The use of gasoline, kerosene, paper products, including but not limited to, cardboard, newspaper, shredded wood packing and popcorn packing insulation is PROHIBITED.
   2. Nail-free wooden boards and logs may be used to fuel the recreational outdoor fire. In instances where materials contain nails, it will be responsibility of the requestor to thoroughly clear the burn site of nails or other sharp items after use. Such materials may be pre-soaked using CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID. Charcoal lighter fluid is the only recognized accelerant approved by the University Fire Marshals Office. Pre-soaked fireplace logs may be purchased from most major food and/or convenience stores and may also be used to fuel the fire.
   3. All spare or unused fuel may be stored no closer than fifty feet (50) from the recreational fire site.  The charcoal lighter fluid must be stored in its original container and properly sealed after each use.
7. Lighting The Fire
   1. Pre-soak the tip of a 60-inch torch/stick with charcoal lighter fluid to ignite the fire.
   2. The person responsible for igniting the fire shall be wearing clothing that will not readily ignite or melt, and not be loose-fitting.  The fire shall be ignited with the wind at ones back, and the person igniting the fire shall have at least one person behind them manned with a pressurized water extinguisher or other water supply (minimum of 5 gallons) in the event of a flash causing clothing to catch fire.  
   3. If clothing does catch on fire, do not run, STOP, DROP AND ROLL! . 
8. Security and Fire Ground Monitors
   1. Prior to lighting the recreational fire, notify the University of Louisville Police (852-6111) and request that the City Fire Dept. (574-3220) be made aware that the fire is ready to be ignited.
   2. The Requestor will be responsible for providing a minimum of four (4) Firebrand Monitors.  Firebrand monitors will assist trained personnel with visually monitoring floating firebrands (airborne lighted particles) as well as keeping onlookers at a safe distance from the fire. Should a fire erupt caused by a firebrand, the monitor must not attempt to extinguish the fire but should immediately contact the nearest safety officer.
   3. The fire must be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1:10.11 and be supervised at all times.
   4. To insure personal safety, unauthorized persons shall not engage in the activity of fire suppression but shall notify a safety official immediately.
9. Extinguishment and Cleanup
   1. A minimum of (two) type 20lb. ABC extinguishers and, (two) five-gallon size containers of water or (two) 2-1/2 gallon water type extinguishers should be available and accessible to control the fire.
   2. Fire department apparatus and a charged hose line with enough length to reach the fire, shall be readily accessible before the recreational fire is started and shall remain exclusively available for fire control throughout the event or until the fire has been fully extinguished. In the event that the fire apparatus is dispatched on an emergency call, the items noted above in 6-1 should be readily available for use by University safety personnel.
   3. After the fire has been extinguished, hand tools including metal shovels and rakes should be used to turn the charred materials while applying copious amounts of water to ensure that the fire has been fully extinguished. Securing hand tools and restoring the burn site to its original condition shall be the responsibility of the Requestor.
   4. Charred materials shall be deposited in a 55 gallon open top metal drum and fully immersed in water and remain in the drum on location until picked up by the U of L Physical Plant or is otherwise properly disposed.
   5. Charred materials may not be deposited into campus refuge receptacles (dumpsters).

Exception No. 1
Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be permitted to be used on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exhibits, or as part of a performance, provided that precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material and use of the pyrotechnic device complies with NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience.

Exception No. 2
Flame effects before an audience shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 160, Standard for Flame Effects Before an Audience.

Exception No. 3
Open flame devices may be permitted for use in the following situations, provided that precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material or injury to occupants:

1. Where necessary for ceremonial or religious purposes.
2. Battery operated candles may be approved for use in lieu of open flame candles.
3. On stages and platforms as a necessary part of a performance.
4. Where candles on tables are securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases and candle flame is protected.

Exception No. 4
This requirement shall not apply to heat-producing equipment complying with 9.2.2 of NFPA 101.

Exception No. 5
This requirement shall not apply to food service operations in accordance with 12.7.1 or 13.7.1 of NFPA 101.

Exception No. 6
Gaslights may be permitted for use, provided that precautions subject to the approval of authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible materials. (101:12.7.2; 101:13.7.2)

Open flames are being used for various reasons to accomplish a variety of objectives that may range from air quality enhancement to scientific laboratory experimentation. This policy is not intended to govern the use of open flames used by the Dept of Physical Plant nor commercial establishments, but shall refer to applicable NFPA guidelines. The purpose of this policy is designed to enhance the overall fire safeness of the interior and exterior of our aging buildings and the life safety of its occupants through the governed use of open flame devices, equipment, and materials. Open Flame Devices and Pyrotechnics shall not be used in any assembly occupancy.

Candles
Candles are commonly used as an alternative light source in lieu of battery powered flashlights during building power outages. Scented candles and incense are frequently used to enhance air fragrance qualities where potpourri and/or aerosol sprays would be a safer and more acceptable alternative to mask undesirable odors.

Combustibles
The burning of ritualistic and/or ceremonial items, including but not limited to printed materials on the interior/exterior of buildings, often create smoke and airborne fire brands that may cause structural and/or grass fires.

Barbecue Grills
The use of barbecue grills and stoves often involve the production of smoke and hot embers. Activities involving the use of this type of equipment must be approved by DPS prior to the event so that the University Fire Marshal can accomplish a site and equipment inspection. Barbecue grill restrictions do not apply to commercial establishments, Red Barn, or residence halls having established patio areas.

Statistics
An increasing number of University Of Louisville buildings are being equipped with fire alarm and/or sprinkler systems, which creates a margin of safety by providing early warning evacuation signals to its occupants. Nationwide fire statistics show that candle fires account for an average of 9400 fires, $120.5million in losses, 90 deaths, and 950 injuries annually. Almost half or 45% of fires caused by candles originate in the bedroom and 41% of candle fires originate from unattended candles placed too close to combustibles.

This policy applies to any individual or organization not other recognized as a University of Louisville physical plant, commercial establishment, educational/scientific laboratory or clinic that is involved with the uses open flame to accomplish work assignments and procedures.

University Fire Marshal

• The University Fire Marshal shall inspect equipment and make site visits prior to the event, unless otherwise pre-approved.

Deans, Directors, Dept. Chairs, Requestor

• Shall notify the University Fire Marshal prior to the scheduled event so that an inspection of the site and equipment can be conducted.
• Shall have an extinguishing agent such as water or a fire extinguisher readily assessable throughout the activity.