Nevada Focus: Fire potential to be scrutinized at proposed Burning Man site

Thursday, July 24, 1997 | 3:12 a.m.

But Washoe County fire officials won't judge the safety of Burning Man's new geography until they inspect the area Monday.

"They had that campsite located in some pretty flammable brush," said Rik Kajans, assistant chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

"Moving it will help. But the fire danger still exists."

The festival, a Woodstock-style gathering of about 12,000 participants that culminates on Labor Day with the burning of a 40-foot wooden man, is scheduled to take place Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 on the Fly Ranch 17 miles northwest of Gerlach.

Burning Man organizers told county commissioners, who are requiring a $500,000 guarantee to cover health and safety expenses, the campsite can be relocated to a dry lake bed on the eastern edge of the ranch. The lake bed, according to organizers, is larger than first estimated, making it big enough for people to camp.

Festival events, including the burning man, had been planned for the lake bed. But the original location for the campsite was on the edge of the lake bed, near sagebrush county officials fear could easily catch fire.

"There was always concern about campfires," festival organizer Will Roger said.

Commissioners voted unanimously July 8 to grant Burning Man an outdoor festival permit. But commissioners attached a list of about 110 requirements to their approval. The commission also stunned festival organizers by demanding a $500,000 letter or credit to ensure payment for everything from overtime for firefighters on Burning Man to portable toilets for the crowd.

The biggest part of the bill is $360,000 for 55 firefighters and equipment. Kajans hasn't determined if moving the campsite will reduce the need for fire protection and cut the cost.

"There is a possibility that could change slightly," Kajanas said.

"However, we still have the threat of wildland fire at that time of year no matter where we go or what we do."

The 11-year-old festival previously had taken place in the open desert. But organizers moved it to private property this year, saying they wanted to control access.

Admission will be charged to this year's Burning Man, $65 in advance and $75 at the entrance.