Fire Pit Check List

  1. Plans to use a fire pit on campus must be presented to the VU Special Events Committee after application to the Office of Reservations and Events.  Prior to the event, details of the pit use plans will be forwarded to David Price, VEHS Senior Safety Officer and Vanderbilt Fire Safety Coordinator (email – david.price@vanderbilt.edu).
  2. Pit Location must be reviewed by Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety (VEHS).  Provide event details and pit location details to at least 3 days prior to the event.
  3. The pit may be no larger than the 3 ft. diameter residential pits available at local hardware stores.
  4. The pit cannot be used, if the predicted or actual wind speed is 15 mph or more.
  5. The pit must set at least 10 ft from buildings.  Similar spacing from mulched flower beds is desirable.
  6. Pit placement can not obstruct building exit discharge points.
  7. You must request Plant Operations install a hose and spigot handle near the site.
  8. Plant Operations will also provide a fire extinguisher for the site.
  9. All leaves or dry vegetation must be cleared from the site the afternoon before the event.
  10. Before lighting the pit, wet nearby ground cover (and possible leaves in the beds) using the hose provided by Plant Operations.
  11. After the event make sure you or another staff member extinguishes the pit fire thoroughly with the hose.  The best way to accomplish this is to thoroughly wet the pit fire down, stir the ashes and thoroughly wet the embers again (until you are sure all fire is completely out).