Open Flame Permits

Please refer to the Open Flame Policy at https://policies.uni.edu/704 before submitting for a permit.

To allow for investigation, this form must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the event for guaranteed consideration.

Approval of this form only covers the use of the requested media and in no way gives permission to use any UNI properties. Permission for use of UNI properties can only be given by the controlling department and/or through an event/grounds usage request.  

Definition of Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, Open Flame and Flammable Set:

  • The term fire works or pyrotechnics shall mean a combustible or explosive mixture or any substance or combination of substances prepared for the purpose of producing a visual or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation
  • The term open flame shall mean any flame or ember that may be able to come in contact with a flammable surface including but not limited to matches, gas, or kerosene stoves or lamps, camp fires, charcoal, candles, sterno cans, cigarettes and flares.
  • The term flammable sets shall mean any item that may cause a potential fire hazard including but not limited to vehicles, flash paper, compressed flammable gases and heat lamps.

Open Flame Permits may be approved on a conditional basis dependent on weather conditions such as drought, burn bans, high winds, etc. If weather at the time of the event doesn't allow for open flame, it may be rescheduled without a full two weeks notice.  However, any attempt to conduct an event with open flame activities using a conditional permit, without approval of the University Fire and Loss Control Coordinator in the days leading up to the event, may result in denial of open flame activities in the future. 

General Requirements:

  • Event/Grounds Usage Approval
  • Water on hand
  • Fire Extinguisher on hand. Fire extinguishers MUST NOT be taken from inside buildings. A loaner extinguisher may be picked up from EHS for events and must be returned the next business day following the event.  
  • At least one individual at an event with open flame should be trained to use a fire extinguisher.  
  • Fire pits may not be used on any grass or turf bases. Fire pits may only be used on durable, noncombustible bases such as concrete or gravel. 
  • Fire pits must be kept a minimum of 20 feet from buildings, trees, shrubs, and other combustibles. Fire pits may not be used under the canopy of a tree.  
  • The approved permit must be available immediately upon request.  
  • Other conditions/requirements as determined by the Fire and Loss Control Coordinator based on the event.

Open Flame Request