Fayetteville Policies and Procedures  715.1 

Open Burn and Open Flame in University Facilities or on University Property

In order to minimize the risk of fire hazard to the campus, to protect human safety and prevent damage to University structures and personal property, the University of Arkansas has established this Open Burn and Open Flame Policy. This policy is intended to be consistent with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and other applicable University policies.  In general, the use of open burning or open flames in University Facilities or on University Property is highly restricted, and any such use is only permitted in limited, controlled circumstances. Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies and may result in removal from campus or prosecution in accordance with state and federal law.  Individual facilities and units (such as University Housing) may have policies providing further restrictions on use beyond the provisions of this policy.  

This policy does not address use of authorized, permanently affixed cooking stoves installed in University facilities.

Definitions:

University Facility:  Any defined space or physical structure of the University, including but not limited to a room, lab, series of labs, building, arena, or controlled outdoor area or structure such as a courtyard, atrium, stadium, or amphitheater.

University Property:  All land or buildings that the University owns or leases or that is under the control of the University.

Open Burning: The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Examples include but are not limited to: campfires, bonfires, barbeque grills and fire pits.

Open Flame and Open Flame Devices:  Open Flame and Open Flame Devices shall include but are not limited to candles, burners, torches and oil lanterns. (Note: Cutting, welding, grinding, and sweating of plumbing shall be covered by the Hot Work Program of the University and not covered under this Policy.)

POLICY STATEMENT:

Open Burning Inside a University Facility: Open Burning inside a University Facility is prohibited at all times, other than fixed, University-owned, outdoor charcoal grills in locations designated by University Athletics, University Housing or Facilities Management and approved by the University Fire Marshal.

Open Flame and Open Flame Devices Inside a University Facility:    Unless otherwise permitted under this policy, use of an Open Flame or Open Flame Device inside a University facility is prohibited at all times unless it is: (1) approved in advance by the University Fire Marshal; AND (2) conducted in accordance with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.  The use of Open Flames or Open Flame Devices in any ceremony or program, or sleeping area, is prohibited at all times.  The use of Open Flames or Open Flame Devices for other indoor venues such as theatrical performances, must be approved in advance by the University Fire Marshal to ensure adequate safety precautions are met.  The use of Open Flames or Open Flame Devices in teaching/research laboratories is exempt when performed in controlled environments where the flame is prevented from contacting combustible materials.  The use of flammable hydrocarbon jelly supplied in cans for stationary use as fuel for cooking stoves or chafing dishes (e.g. – Sterno) in University facilities is exempt when used by University departments and authorized service providers and maintained in an approved manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions; such use is not permitted in student housing units.

Open Burning on University Property (Other than Inside a University Facility):  Unless otherwise permitted under this policy, Open Burning on University Property is prohibited.  Limited exceptions consistent with the purposes of this policy may be approved in advance (or specifically permitted) through Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 708.0, Use of University Facilities and Outdoor Space OR Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 804.1, Tailgating and Game Day Outdoor Use Policy, provided that any such use must be conducted in accordance with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.

Open Flame and Open Flame Devices on University Property (Other than Inside a University Facility):    Unless otherwise permitted under this policy, use of an Open Flame or Open Flame Device on University Property is prohibited. Limited exceptions consistent with the purposes of this policy may be approved in advance (or specifically permitted) through Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 708.0, Use of University Facilities and Outdoor Space OR Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 804.1, Tailgating and Game Day Outdoor Use Policy provided that any such use must be conducted in accordance with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.  The use of flammable hydrocarbon jelly supplied in cans for stationary use as fuel for cooking stoves or chafing dishes (e.g. – Sterno) on University Property is exempt when used and maintained in an approved manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Any approval for exceptions to this policy may be conditioned on specific safety or insurance requirements based on assessment by the University Fire Marshal and other appropriate University officials.

Persons Authorized to Enforce Policy:  In addition to University personnel responsible for the management or supervision of University facilities, property and activities and the University Fire Marshal, University law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the requirements of this policy, including but not limited to preventing entry upon University Property or into a University Facility or prohibiting remaining upon University Property or within a University Facility when someone is conducting Open Burning or while in possession of or operating an Open Flame or Open Flame Device; and ordering any fire which is deemed as non-compliant with this policy or which creates a hazard or nuisance to be extinguished.

Approved November 6, 2017