Yulee Fire Rescue outlines safety plan requirements for special events

Yulee residents planning special events, carnivals, or fairs will need to submit a detailed safety plan to the Nassau County Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Office for review. This requirement ensures compliance with state and national fire codes to maintain public safety.

The safety plan must include comprehensive information, even if certain aspects do not apply to a specific event. Organizers must provide a note stating any inapplicable sections. Failure to submit a complete plan or clarify requested information may result in the plan being returned, potentially incurring a re-examination fee.

Key Requirements for Safety Plans

According to information provided by the Nassau County Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Office, located at 96160 Nassau Place in Yulee, the safety plan must incorporate details such as:

• A scaled site plan with a clear scale indicated (¼” or 1/8” scale) and a North directional indicator.
• A detailed scope of work, event plan, or narrative describing the event.
• The specific dates and times the event will take place.
• The designated location of the event.
• An estimation of the number of attendees expected.
• Information on any tents, canopies, air-supported structures, rides, booths, games, or stages to be used, along with the types and sizes of all fire extinguishers present.
• Demonstrated fire department access routes on the plan, adhering to NFPA 1-18.
• Depicted locations of fire department water supply or fire hydrants on the plan.

The plan must also demonstrate adherence to applicable State of Florida Fire Prevention codes, including NFPA 1 (2015 Edition) with specific chapters on outdoor events, electrical safety, fire department access, and structures like tents. NFPA 96 (2011 Edition) regarding commercial cooking operations and the 6th Edition Florida Fire Prevention Code (2017 Edition) are also referenced.

Specific Guidelines for Tents and Fire Safety

For tents and similar structures, the plan must provide evidence that fabric materials meet flame propagation performance standards, such as a certificate from an acceptable organization or a test report. Minimum spacing requirements between tent stake lines are set at 10 feet, with exceptions for egress needs. Tents not exceeding 1200 square feet in fairgrounds may not require separation if safety precautions are approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Smoking is prohibited in tents unless approved by the AHJ, and clear signage must be posted in areas where smoking is forbidden. Ground areas within and around tents must be cleared of flammable materials for a minimum of 10 feet prior to erection and maintained throughout the event.

Portable fire extinguishing equipment of approved types must be furnished and maintained in tents in quantities and locations as directed by the AHJ.

Electrical safety requirements include that extension cords must be plugged directly into approved receptacles and serve only one portable appliance, unless they are approved multiplug extension cords. The ampacity of extension cords must not be less than the rated capacity of the appliance they supply, and cords must be maintained in good condition without splices.

For questions or to submit a safety plan, the Nassau County Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Office can be contacted at (904) 530-6605 or (855) 305-3905.