Governor Sandoval legalizes apprentice fire performers.
Controlled Burn’s involvement in Nevada’s new Fire Performer Apprentice bill (effective 1/1/12) is discussed in detail here. This legislation does not limit anyone’s on-playa self-expression, but instead addresses ambiguities and legal trends that had negatively impacted Nevada fire performers. As an all-inclusive fire performance group, we hope to keep this art form as accessible as possible to as many as possible.
TO REITERATE, BURNING MAN IS HELD ON FEDERAL (BLM) LAND, SO NO NEVADA STATE FIRE MARSHAL CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM WITH FIRE.
Yep, I used to be fans of you guys until I just heard about this. Sorry, but making laws to “protect” people from themselves rather than enabling good parenting to teach young people a discipline like spinning fire poi isn’t going to help the art. In fact, it will help subdue it. Very anti-American. “Controlled” burn, indeed. What’s next, mandatory cups?
Thank you for your opinion. Controlled Burn has suffered from arbitrary enforcement for years, during all of which we have had to hold certificates of registration with the State Fire Marshal to perform with fire in Nevada, and during which we have met whatever constraints have been placed upon us. If you know and care for Controlled Burn as you say, you will understand that as an all-inclusive fire performance group, we are trying to find a way to include the most people invested in this art form while staying on the safe side of enforcement without negatively impacting that thing we communally hold dearest — Burning Man. We knew that for years the push had been to raise the age of certification in Nevada to 21 years of age. In spite of having sought apprenticeship for those 12 and older, we still feel that holding the right for those 18 and older is a victory. However, it was far less than our dream.
There are many fire performers below the age of 18 whom I respect and revere, and for whom I am willing to invest myself. My personal interest in this legislation was on behalf of my 16-year-old son. He is the reason that I have become involved in fire arts at all, and with his sister has given me a form of expression whose depth I still plumb. When he was 9, at his virgin Burn, fire dance became his passion. He enjoyed 6 years of fire dancing throughout Nevada and the US, adhering to what we were told were the rules, but is no longer allowed to dance at “permitted” events in Nevada. Nevada law came down heavily against us specifically. I wanted him to know 3 things: that his family would not abandon a cause he held close to his heart; that this legislature is his, not owned by those who have been elected to it; and that art and “no” are fluid, malleable.
Controlled Burn has accepted the legislation as it stands for this legislative cycle, but looks forward to proving that there is merit in granting us what we have sought, and worth in what we hope to achieve. We hope to show that with rational discussion, safe performance and a willingness to learn (both in fire arts and safety, and in the legislative process), we are worthy of deeper consideration when we ask in the next legislative cycle that the age for apprenticeship might be lowered.
We welcome all constructive discussion so that we may all learn as we move forward.
Yah, I gotta say, Lu, you hit the nail on the head. How Dare CBR go out of their way to make sure people from 18-21 have the right to burn? I mean, seriously, they don’t have the right to Drink, right? Why do they need to light things on fire? You don’t start BBQing until you’re in your 40s, right? And frankly they shouldn’t start smoking before 21 either….
Great work guys, and we’re going to continue the fight with the new version of the NAFAA psg’s (NV SFM office is part of the code council).
Whoops, my FauxTML didn’t come through…
Should read
{/sarcasm} in that blank space
The state of Nevada’s Fire Marshal’s office has enforced the NFPA 160 rules for at least 10 years. The Nevada interpretation of this would only allow performers over 21. The state Fire Marshal’s office was going to try to officially pass this age restriction into law, until Controlled Burn stepped up to fight them on this. The new law allows for apprentice fire performers 18-21. The original draft of the new bill asked for apprentice performers 12 -21 to be allowed to perform. In the course of the process, city fire marshal and other professionals came to testify against this bill. The age was raised to 18. Although this is not optimal for us, this still allows a greater number of fire performers than the previous law and it has opened the door for further negotiations.
Controlled Burn has many performing members who are under 18. We used to try to “fly under the radar” and let our kids perform at gigs. As the popularity of fire performance grew in Reno, more fire department regulation came along with it. Fire marshals started checking performers for Cards and performers insurance. Permits were required. In order to keep performing, the group was forced to either quit or comply. Many of our young and talented performers were no longer able to spin fire at permitted venues.
Rather than just lying down and quitting, Controlled Burn chose to fight for their younger performers. It was a long process and the gains were minimal, but there were gains, nonetheless. The group will continue to fight to allow for young performers in the next legislative session.
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A FIRE MARSHAL’S CARD FOR BURNING MAN.
I just heard about this, since I am planning to have some fire toys made and I hope to use them soon.
I like to come to Reno for the fire events hosted by CB. When Californians come up to perform, does that mean that everyone that spins (with fire) or poofs flame has to get the $27.50 permit? This is a big deal with the many spinners who don’t make much (if anything) going to Reno.
Hi Andy,
Good to see you! In actuality, this has been the case at the last three Compressions! The first year, because we weren’t aware of this enforcement until about 30 days before the event, we paid for those artists who didn’t have CCR’s, as it would have caused an undue hardship on them, but since then, it’s kind of expected that they build those fees into the fees they charge or that we give for them to travel here. We generally are able to do a small travel stipend and something for those who come from out of town.
Hope to see you again!
Gemini
Thank you for the info Gemini, looking forward to seeing you and the group in 2012!
My dearest friends,
I was that kid that started all of this, I remember it so clearly. I was 11, and brought along to this weird crazy thing my mom’s friends were doing, I had no idea what I was getting into. When I saw what it was, I fell in love, and started practicing everyday to get as good as those guys. That was almost 8 years ago now, and that biggest influence on my life has been my experiences with Controlled Burn. We knew about those silly laws, but like Erika said, we tried the “under the radar” trick, but we became so popular, that the Fire Department had to step in a take more precautions.
This issue was specifically painful for me, because I feel I helped pave the path in Controlled Burn for all our other minors to join. We became a family of kids that were crazy enough to play with fire, and we were, and I say this without ego, some of the most skilled performers that were part of Controlled Burn at those times. The fact that we were confined by the law, and prevented from spinning fire with our friends and family was the most ridiculous thing.
Now, Controlled Burn as stepped up, taking this on, and ran with it. I regret that my involvement was limited after this was slammed down on us, but I am thrilled to see that you all have stepped up, and fought for this much needed change. It goes right down to the core of my being to know that you all showed the commitment, dedication and hard work to drive against the political machine, and fight for under age performer rights.
My heart goes out to all of you, new and old, Controlled Burn. You have a special place in my heart and life, and I just wanted to share how much it means to me that you guys have gone after this with such gusto and strength of will.
I love you all! Namaste!
Alex