A burn is an event related to Burning Man - it is a celebration of the spirit of radical self-expression, community, and participation. Burns are typically held several times per year, while Burning Man takes place once a year. Burns have happened in Brooklyn, NY, San Francisco, CA, Assateague Island, MD, Austin, TX, Wisconsin, Vancouver, Arizona, Florida, Thailand, and many other places This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it hasn't heard about yet.

I've heard of Burning Man. What's that all about?

Burning Man is a yearly outdoor arts festival that takes place in the Nevada Desert. It's hard to say exactly what Burning Man's about - it's about the creation of a cohesive, yet temporary community based on the idea that art is a public good. It's about participation. It's about respect for the earth and it's inhabitants. Go to their web site to read more about it.

How are Playa Del Fuego Burns different from Burning Man?

Burning Man takes place on public land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management. The land we are using is privately owned by Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club (VNVMC). Also, Playa Del Fuego Burns are much smaller than Burning Man; the largest burn we've ever had was about 850 people. Playa Del Fuego Burns are also a lot shorter than the Burning Man festival: while Burning Man takes place over the course of a week, Playa Del Fuego Burns have recently been four days and three nights. That means that you need four days worth of food, water, clothes, and other supplies.

Also keep in mind that VNVMC is not quite as remote as the Black Rock Desert. There are grocery stores and restaurants within driving distance. Shopping center at the cintersection of 301 and 299 includes a fast food restaurant, a major chain grocery store, a dollar store, a drug store and a local pizza parlor. There is a major chain hardware store adjacent to that shopping center with a gas station and a sit-down restaurant.

What is Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club (VNVMC)?

These are the people that own the land that the burn is being held on. We used to hold Playa Del Fuego at Assateague Island National Seashore, but we have outgrown the National Park Service's facilities.

What kinds of things happen at Playa Del Fuego Burns?

That depends entirely on you, the participant! In the past, people have brought art installations (combustible and non-), performed music, created games to play, made interactive group performance art, and all kinds of other things. Often meals will spontaneously go potluck style; a curious, chaotic free-for-all of food and drink. Giving gifts is the norm.

See Andy Wing's East Coast Burn Burn History page for pictures and a journal of our previous burns, from before we moved to VNVMC up until or most recent VNVMC burn.

What does "Leave no Trace" mean?

Burning Man and Playa Del Fuego participants practice the Leave No Trace ethic. Leave No Trace means that after we've left the site, there is no indication of our ever having been there; we take out every piece of trash we brought in. Even "biodegradable waste" or "compostable waste" must be disposed of properly. That means no cigarette butts too. Nothing is left behind; no excuses. We do not descend on VNVMC every few months for the purpose of trashing it. We rely on the participants to police themselves and each other (hint: that's you! *grin*). Plan accordingly to minimize waste; it's amazing how easy trash management can be with an ounce of preparation!

A note about cigarettes: I've been told that altoids tins and the like make great personal ash trays!

Please read the Leave No Trace outdoor ethic essay. Leave No Trace is of utmost importance to continuing our celebration at VNVMC.

That all sounds amazingly cool! Can I go?

Yes. All are welcome. Please note that if you're under 21 you must not consume alcohol.

All participants under the age of 18 *must* have a designated guardian over the age of 21, it's the law!

Is it ok if I bring my kids?

We have participants of all ages, but parents reading this probably have a million questions of their own. To attempt to address these issues, we have a Parent FAQ, for parents bringing younger children with them, and a Parents with Older Children FAQ, for parents whose teenaged children wish to attend.

I have artwork/baked goods/personal items I'd like to sell. How do I apply for the vending area?

There is absolutely, positively, *no vending* of any kind permitted at Playa del Fuego. PDF is an experiment in temporary community and our economy is based on gifting. Try it out!

How do I get there?

This varies greatly depending on your mode of transportation and where you're coming from. While it pains us to have to say so, the best way to get there is by car. Greyhound does not go VNVMC, and there is no public transportation to speak of. VVMC is about 3 hours from New York City, 1 hour from Philadelphia, 2 hours from Baltimore, 2 and 1/2 hours from Washington DC, about 3 and 3/4 hours from Richmond, VA, and about 5 hours from Albany, NY.

Directions can be found on the directions page.

The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport.

What's the cost of admission?

Check the tickets page for the current pricing tier information.

How can I help?

There are things you must do if you attend, and then there are things you can do if you're interested in them.

If you attend, you must:

• Help keep the campsite clean. This includes your mess and other people's mess. It's all one mess. If you're heading over to the dumpster, grab your neighbor's bag of trash too. They'd do the same for you. Furthermore, do NOT leave food or anything else behind when you leave in the hopes that someone will want it. They never do, and someone ends up having to dispose of it.
• Help out other burners in need -- be it helping pitch a tent, build an effigy, or introducing yourself to people who look lost or lonely.
• Know your limits. If you get really messed up, you wind up messing up other people's good time, because they have to take care of your dumb ass. Plus we'll never let you live it down.
• Be aware. This isn't a vacation on a caribbean island, man.
• Be prepared. Bring *everything* you could need for four days and three nights (and then add an extra of each item it you really want to be sure and have the room).
• Respect other participants and our hosts. No means no. Goes without saying, right? In case you happen to run across a fellow participant who hasn't gotten it yet or has forgotten, feel free to remind 'em that we are guests at someone else's home (many of the Vets and their families actually live there).

Things you can do, if you're interested:

• Be a greeter. If you've been to one of our burns before, you can help us get the word out about leaving no trace and general site rules. You get to meet everybody as a greeter. E-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for information on being a greeter!
• Be a Playa Del Fuego Ranger. We have our own set of Black Rock Ranger veterans who can help answer questions, interact with authorities, and provide communications assistance. E-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for information on being a Ranger!
• Be on the Fire Team. Volunteering for Fire Team is a great way to see and be seen, and in the end, it will warm you three times over: once for stacking, once for burning, and once for the warm satisfaction as all your co-participants enjoy your gift! Email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for information on being on the Fire Team!
• Be part of the Department of Public Works! You'll work hard, but you'll have fun. Without DPW, the event just doesn't happen, so we need your help. The DPW crew gets all the action.

The VNVMC guys are amazingly cool about letting us do our thing. For instance, we can run around naked. Really! This is private land. However, there are some things we just can't do at VNVMC. Also, you don't have to take my word for it..read the policies in the VNVMC's own words! Then read on.

• Fireworks. Fireworks are an absolute no-no. Fireworks are illegal in the state of Delaware and they risk setting off an uncontrollable forest fire, which would be a very very bad thing!
  
  
• People under 21 consuming alcohol. Not cool. For real. Not only do you get a hefty fine and possibly arrested, you can single-handedly shut down the entire event by making all the people over 21 go to jail. Please for the love of God and the people who can get into serious trouble for your screwups, do not drink alcohol if you're not legally able to do so.
  
  
• Driving while intoxicated. This one's a no-brainer, right? The land owners have made it very clear that anyone who is intoxicated will not be allowed to leave the event. If you're not of age, or if you plan on driving during the evening, please save yourself a possible arrest... just don't consume alcohol.
  
  
• Random Fires. You can have a fire if it's contained and supervised in your camp. Tiki torches are OK and even encouraged as it will be quite dark out there. We have a few fire spots in the camp area and one large burn area for the bigger stuff.
  
  
• Cars & Parking.

  This is pretty important. We've got a pretty good idea what the VNVMC intend for us to do now, so please read this page on the Vehicle Policy.

  When planning your camp, please take this vehicle policy into account. Plan your gear storage, shade, tools and other necessities to minimize the hassle of having to walk back and forth to the parking lot. Make plans to anchor your improvised shade to something other than your car. Get a nice tent or other structure to sleep in (or find some nice warm person and share theirs!). We will try to arrange the parking lot so that people sleeping in vehicles can all park together.
  
  

• Loudness Policy. The VNVMC needs to preserve its rapport in the community. To that end, they have asked that we greatly reduce the volume of any loud activity after 1:00am. The VNVMC have indicated that if we are unable to comply with "turn-down" then we will be required to "turn-off". Daytime noise levels, as of now, are unrestricted. This goes for musical performances, both electronic and acoustic, obnoxicators, vehicle and machinery noises, everything.
  
  Many many thanks for your help with this!
  
  
• Going onto private VVMC areas, buildings, and sacred land. The VNVMC has some areas that are completely *off limits* to us:

   

  • The area around the flagpole -- the flagpole is near the pavillion. It is clearly marked with a fence and a gate. Do not enter this area, and if you pass by it please do so with a sense of quietude and respect as it is a memorial and contains the ashes of the VNVMC's friends.
  • The Clubhouse -- The clubhouse is a yellow and white building.
  • The area to the left of the road -- As you enter the gate you will be on a gravel road. Stay on the road and to the right of the road; do NOT go wandering around to the left of the road. There is one exception to this and that is the shower house: if you use the showers you may walk over but please get back onto the right side as soon as you are finished; don't dawdle around. This is the VNVMC's private living area.
  • The helicopter -- Yes, there is a helicopter. This is also a memorial to the Vets' dead friends so please stay away from it and definitely DO NOT touch it.

Please, no climbing on the buildings. Why do I even have to say this?

If you have read the above, use common sense and observe the Golden Rule, you'll have no problems whatsoever. Remember, our rangers are there to help, but please don't be careless and overburden them.

I've heard something about a photography/videography policy. Can I take photos? Can people take photos of me?

All participants, whether they're photographers or not, should read the Photography and Videography Guidelines. Know your rights as a subject, and get to know photography/videography etiquette at the event. If you have questions, e-mail Rob Carlson, ' ); //--> This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it "> This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

How is the site laid out?

There will be a designated "quieter" camping area. Pitch your tent there, if you wish. Further from the gate, near the stage and the pavillion is the "burnable art" area. Beyond that is the "louder" camping area, where most theme camps choose to set up. Anyone sleeping in an RV or van will be directed to camp there or along the fence to the way right as you enter.

Ok, so camping is where it's at. What do I have to do to get a ticket?

See the tickets page! And please purchase in advance, it really helps us out! :)

What luxuries can I expect at VNVMC?

Porta-johns will be provided. There will be a roll-off dumpster at the gate available for our use as well; ALL trash must go in that dumpster or else go home with a participant. There is a stage with a roof. All bands, video artists, electronic artists, and any other performers who have not brought their own performance space and would like to use the VNVMC stage will be coordinated through This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Please contact her if you want to spin, play, or whatever on the stage. The electricity on the stage is for the main stage only! The VNVMC do not permit us to run extension cords off the stage for any reason. Please don't plan on plugging in your RV or espresso machine.

There is a central pavilion with picnic tables and grills as well. Use them if you wish but bring your own charcoal and be prepared to clean up after yourself. Please do not leave food in the area assuming someone else will eat it! Flies, wasps, and local pets are attracted to all the loose food and make the area less enjoable.

The electricity in the pavillion is available for art installations which are within the boundaries of the pavillion. As with the stage, extension cords are verboten.

There is a hose where you can get water for washing, but we don't recommend drinking it. There is also a shower facility at the VNVMC; the water does run hot occasionally. Try to keep your showers to five minutes and save some hot water for everyone. top

The mosquitoes at Assateague were awful! Thank god we don't have to worry about that anymore!

Oh yes you do! Bring your DEET; VNVMC is in the heart of Delaware tidal marsh lands, and it can get very buggy out there. It's not as bad as Assateague, but you really want to take certain precautions, especially if you're a sweet person. :)

Okay. I've read all that, I understand what I have to do in order to have a place to stay, and I will drench myself in DEET before getting out of my car. What other hazards await me? How's the weather out there?

The third biggest concern is the weather. Plan your costumery to be as versatile as possible. Bring rain gear (if everyone brings rain gear, we can be assured of good weather!), bring warm clothes and summer clothes too. Bring clothes you think will keep you way too warm, and you'll probably be just a little bit too cold. Hats, gloves, and rain gear are all safe bets. It's one thing to walk from your car into a building in 60 degree weather, and it's quite another thing to be outside for three days straight in 60 degree weather. Bring warm clothes, thank me later.

Also, it's a good idea to have a contingency plan for heavy rain or high winds, both of which are very common and can arrive without warning. Will your tent withstand 60 mph gusts sustained for two hours or longer? What happens if it starts raining and your tent is suddenly flooded? Practice building and tearing your tent down with your tent mates so you can do it quickly and efficiently should the need arise.

Onc nice thing about being at VNVMC is that we don't have to stay clothed. Depending on the conditions, being naked is warmer than wearing wet clothes.

Now, what should I bring with me?

Just like at Burning Man, you are required to bring what you need to survive. This includes:

• Water
• Food
• Cooking and eating gear (utensils, pot, pan, stove, etc..)
• Shelter, in case you want to sleep or if it rains
• First Aid items
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellant
• Hot weather clothing
• Cold weather clothing
• Trash Bags (Leave no trace! Pack it in, Pack it out!)

Make sure you have enough of everything to last all four days. VNVMC and Playa Del Fuego do not provide any shelter, food, water, or other supplies nor will they be for sale at the site. In fact, nothing will be for sale at the event as money is not allowed for anything other than buying tickets or setting on fire. Barter away! Give gifts!

In addition to the basics of life, you'll want to bring things that you enjoy and can be enjoyed by others. This includes:

• Decorative things, for body or environment
• Music (but if you need electricity for your music, you must bring it yourself..there's no electricity out there)
• Gifts!
• Performance
• Costume
• Art of any sort
• Other fun things to share

Remember!!! ALL FIREWOOD IS INCLUDED in your ticket price! We are purchasing in bulk from a local contractor. There will be plenty for use in the designated fire pits or burn barrels (for burning and warmth, not for construction of art projects...) Please do not overfeed teh fires. The wood needs to last all weekend.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, you can, but the VNVMC has specified that it must be on a leash at all times. And please, scoop the poop your dog generates! Bring some plastic bags for this, as well as food and water for your poochie.

You mentioned potluck meals earlier. What do I need for that?

Bring whatever tickles your fancy, whatever you specialize in. Bring your mom's lasagne. Bring some littleneck clams and a steamer. Or bring a solar oven and bake a tofu-ginger cheesecake. Bring a large salad adorned with exotic vegetables. Whatever you'd be pleased to walk around with offering people. Sharing food is a wonderful way to meet people.

In terms of cooking tools, grills, etc, when in doubt, bring your own. Many people bring grills and charcoal, and will be happy to share grill space. If you've got dietary restrictions, though, you might want to bring your own. If you're a meat-eating person, you may find out that the only grills available are vegetarian only! Or vice versa. The best way to ensure that your bases are covered is to cover all your base, dig?

And don't even think about leaving your half-eaten food lying around the camp. When you're finished cooking, put all of your food away and wash all of your dishes.

What happened to the trash barrels?

In PDFs past, in addition to the dumpster at the gate, participants were free to take advantage of a number of trash barrels spaced out around the site. The trash barrels were emptied out by hardworking and dedicated volunteer Paul Taylor. Well it's high time for participants to take the matter into their own hands!

In the spirit of not letting all these free trash barrels go to waste, there is a grassroots project in the works to share the labor and make trash management easy for everyone. Your name (or the name of your camp) will be affixed to the barrel, so participants in the Adopt-A-Barrel program can reap the rewards lavished upon them by a thankful community of generous and sexy burners. To participate, e-mail or find This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

What are the rules concerning fires at the VNVMC?

No fires on the ground are permitted, at all. That's the basic rule. If you have burnable art, or fire of any kind for that matter, it must be either on top of something that will prevent the ground from getting scorched, or in some kind of container like a grill. There are burn barrels around the site to help keep people warm at night! Wood for these public barrels is provided.

Also, all fires, from tiki torches in camp to grills to burning effigies must be watched by some human being. If you have little candles outside your tent please blow them out when you go to sleep. We love tiki torches, but if you don't have somebody keeping an eye on them, please put them out. Rangers will extinguish fires that aren't supervised.

Fire performances, like fire poi, staff, blasts, eating, transfer, etc, will be relegated to the 'burning art' area, but this is more of a guideline than a rule. If you're a fire performer, please do what you need to do to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you're playing with fire the assumption will be that you know what you're doing.

Incidentally, if you're a fire performer and you wanna show your stuff when the big effigy goes up Sunday night, contact This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . She's getting together a conclave-like expo of fire maniacs.

How can I get in touch with other burners to get some collaboration on my project, and how do I announce to others about the things I'm planning for PDF?

There are several ways of drawing attention to your requests and announcements. Firstly, the Burning Pony Express, edited by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , goes out to quite a few people on a periodic basis in the months preceding each event. Send her a brief write-up and see it in the next BPE!

If you'd like to discuss your idea in a forum, or if you'd just like to meet area burners, there are many regional mailing lists. In the Baltimore/Washington metro area there is the Baltwash-Burning e-mail mailing list. Be advised that list traffic can get pretty high. There are other regional mailing lists too; check here for information about contacting locals in your area.

Boy, am I ever confused! I've got more questions! Who do I contact for the answers?

I don't think you've read the FAQ all the way through. Read it again. Read the whole thing. I mean it. None of this information is optional.

No, really, I read the whole thing. Please, I have some serious questions. Who do I ask?

Send an e-mail to the FAQ author: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Don't be too afraid to ask. I don't bite very hard and any questions you have help me improve this FAQ!

Did you write this lovely FAQ all by yourself?