Minimum Safety Requirements for Public Events

Permits

Health, Building, Electrical, Fire Prevention, or other permits, licenses, or inspections, must be displayed in a conspicuous location.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

• All compressed gas cylinders, in use or in storage, must be adequately secured as approved by the Fire Marshal to prevent them from falling over.
• Each compressed gas cylinder must be clearly identified with the name of the gas contained.

Electrical

• All wiring must comply with the National Electrical Code and is subject to approval by the Electrical Inspector.
• The use of lightweight electrical extension cords is prohibited. Only U.L.-listed circuit breaker protected extension cords, or extension cords using 14-3 or larger wire, can be used. Any electrical cord which runs through areas exposed to pedestrian traffic must be secured in place and protected as required by bridging.
• All weather-exposed wiring, connections, and junction boxes must be waterproof.

Temporary Structures

• Must maintain a 15 foot clearance from other structures on all sides. Exception:  Those constructed of metal, flame retardant wood or that have Certificates of Flame Resistance for fabric will be allowed to maintain a minimum of an 8 foot clearance on all sides.
  • Note: You must provide a certificate of flame resistance or other evidence of approval by a laboratory or recognized standard. All tents or awning fabric may be required by the Fire Marshal to meet the requirements of the small-scale test contained in the NFPA 701, “Standard Methods of Fire Test of Flame – Resistant Textile and Films.”
  • No flame-producing devices for cooking or lighting are allowed under any non-protected structure or tent, unless they are constructed of flame resistant materials. In a non-protected structure or tent, the appropriate distance will be determined by the inspecting Fire Marshal on an individual basis.
  • Tents and awnings must be adequately supported in accordance with the provisions as set forth in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and NFPA 102.

Cooking Fuels and Equipment

Liquid petroleum gas

• All liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cooking equipment must be inspected by the Fire Marshal prior to use.
• No LPG containers are allowed inside any building.
• All hoses and equipment must be free of defects and of the type recommended for use with liquefied petroleum gas.
• All spare LPG bottles must be stored as approved in a secure location as remote as practical from cooking devices and warming trays. Spare bottles shall be limited to two per appliance or as approved by the Fire Marshal.

Charcoal 

When using charcoal and/or wood, a metal container with a tight fitting lid for the disposal of ashes is required. Ashes shall be wet down with water before leaving them unattended or discarding.

Cooking Devices 

• Cooking devices must be isolated from the public by at least four feet or have an approved barrier.
• Warming and cooking devices must be placed on a noncombustible surface and kept at a minimum of two feet from each other and any combustible materials.
• Cooking equipment using sterno or other similar combustible oils or solids must have proper fitting lids available for immediate use.
• All use of open flame and/or flammable liquids or gases must include a dry chemical extinguisher that is readily available. The extinguisher must have a minimum rating of no less than 2A-20BC, or as approved by the Fire Marshal.

Fireworks

Fireworks or unauthorized open flames are be prohibited unless approved by the Fire Marshal.