Fire Prevention Requirements for Special Event Vendors

This is a partial checklist that will assist you in expediting your Special Event Permit.

Some of the items may or may not apply to your specific permit; however, this will assist you in compiling the proper documents and meeting conditions necessary for your license compliance inspection. It is also recommended that you create a folder containing the items necessary to help inspectors facilitate with Fire and Life Safety Requirements. Please be advised this is not a complete list, as other items may be required for your specific permit.

At a minimum, the following conditions shall be provided for the use of a tent(s):

Tents 120 ft.² or greater shall provide appropriate tent fabric flame propagation certification as contained in NFPA 701 – Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films (101:11.11.2) and be permitted under the Special Event Permitting Process.

  • Tents shall not cover more than 75% of the premises (101:11.11.1.3).
  • A minimum of 10 ft. between stake lines (101.11.11.3).
  • No guy wire or guy rope shall cross any means of egress at a height of less than 7 ft (2.1m). (1:25.1.3.2)
  • Adequate number of exits (1:14.8; 1:14.9).
  • Storage or handling of flammable liquids or gases shall not be located in the Means of Egress (1:25.1.4.2).
  • Appropriate "No smoking" signage (101:11.11.4.2).
  • No open flame under or adjacent to tents or canopies.
  • Approved types of fire extinguishers and signage (101:11.11.5).
  • Electrical appliances, fixtures, equipment, or wiring installed, maintained, and operated in a safe and professional manner (1:25.1.9/ 1:9.1.2).
  • Generators or other internal combustion power sources separated by a minimum of 20' from the tent or temporary structure (1:25.1.12.2).
  • Generators should be protected by fencing, enclosure, or other means approved by the Local AHJ (1:25.1.12.2).

 

Food truck vendors shall provide at a minimum the following but are not all inclusive:

  • Cooking equipment used in fixed, mobile, or temporary concessions, such as trucks, buses, trailers, pavilions, tents, or any form of roofed enclosure, shall comply with NFPA 96 -Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. (1:50.1.3; 96:1.1.3)
  • Clearance of at least 10 ft. away from buildings, structures, vehicles, and any combustible materials. (1:50.8.2.1; 96:17.2.1)
  • Mobile or temporary cooking operations shall not block fire department access roads, fire lanes, fire hydrants, or other fire protection devices and equipment. (1:50.8.1.4)
  • Appropriate Class K and at minimum one (1) 2A:10BC portable fire extinguisher installed, maintained, and tagged in kitchen cooking areas in accordance with NFPA 10 - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. (96.10.9.1-5)
  • All interior surfaces of the hood exhaust system shall be accessible for cleaning and inspection purposes (1:50.2.1.7; 96:4.1.8)
  • Certificates of inspection and cleaning maintenance of the fire-extinguishing systems and listed exhaust hoods shall be made by properly trained, qualified, and certified person(s) acceptable to the AHJ at least every 6 months. (1:50.5.6.2.1; 96:12.2.1). Documentation and/or appropriate tags to be available for inspection upon request (1:50.5.6.1.4.2; 96:12.1.4.2).
  • Portable generators shall be positioned so that the exhaust is directed as follows (1:50.8.5.4.3): (1) At least 12 ft (4 m) in any direction away from any openings or air intakes and means of egress (2) Away from any building (3) Away from any mobile or temporary cooking vehicle or operation
  • Portable generators or internal combustion power sources shall be isolated from contact with the public by either physical guards, fencing, or an enclosure (1:50.8.5.4.2).
  • Refueling shall be conducted only when not in use. (1:50.8.8.3).

Bounce houses and other similar structures shall meet manufacturers' specifications and the following:

  •  Be securely anchored on level ground.
  • Electrical wiring and blowers shall be placed to prevent any potential for a tripping hazard.
  • Generators shall be protected by fencing, enclosure, or other means approved by the Local AHJ.

Food Truck Safety Fact Sheet with Florida Additions(PDF, 607KB)

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