Controlled Burn Fire Performance

Controlled Burn was "ignited in 2000" to celebrate the culture of Burning Man with like-minded relentless arts volunteers.  We danced like wild (13 consecutive years at the foot of The Man), but learned along the way that there were limits.  We began working with local enforcement and regulatory groups to legitimize our art form, enjoying a wonderful mutually-respectful relationship with our state and local fire officials, and finally establishing a state youth apprentice program and creating a standardized curriculum for teaching and assessing fire performance and safety for certification.  We donate performances, classes and safety training throughout the year to very numerous non-profits, and are supported in return by the Reno community.

After participating in many Reno events, we were asked six years ago to produce a fire celebration for Reno's annual Artown festival.  Controlled Burn invites all our fire-wielding, sculpting and dancing friends, youth and alternative performance groups, Burning Man art cars, mutant vehicles, playa projects and theme camps to share the culture of Burning Man with northern Nevadans who might otherwise miss this diverse emergent component of international art expression.

We advocate on behalf of artists throughout our community, help prepare proposals, organize events, and navigate bureaucracy.  We hold radical inclusiveness and accessibility for all as our greatest accomplishment.  We are relentless volunteers, and will very greatly appreciate your help far and beyond this little window for 5000 characters.  In fact, the 5000+ characters who come downtown this July will be made aware of your contribution, so please know that your generosity will be celebrated by many.  On behalf of Controlled Burn, thank you.