Recreational Fire Pit Guidelines

Recreational fires on campus for small groups or other social gatherings are only allowed at approved locations as noted on the campus map below: Keul Patio (1), MSC (2), BGH (3), Campus Houses (4), Fischer Hall (5), and Smith-Traber Hall (6).

Keul Patio Fire Table (1), MSC (2), and BGH (3) Reservations

Students can reserve one of the two Keul Patio fire tables or the MSC and BGH locations using the online reservation form.

Campus Houses (4), Fischer Hall (5), Smith-Traber Hall (6) Fire Pit Reservations

Students or organizations can reserve a fire pit near Smith-Traber Hall or Fischer Hall on a first come first serve basis when the front desk opens at 7:00 p.m. The campus house fire pit is reserved by emailing the residence director for the apartments and houses.

Keul Patio Fire Table Guidelines

• Before igniting, inspect the fire table lava rock area and remove any leaves, trash, or other debris from the area.
• To turn on the fire table, turn the timer switch located on the south side of the fire table walls for both the circular and rectangular tables. This will start the fire for a one-hour duration.
• Items are not to be placed in the fire or on the lava rock at any time.
• No standing sitting or putting weight on the lava rock area of the fire table.
• Sit a safe distance away from the flames, be aware that the flames will blow from side to side on a windy day.
• No cooking/roasting food (marshmallows, hot dogs, etc.) with the fire tables.
• Do not press the Emergency Stop Button unless there is an Emergency requiring the table to be shut off. It will shut off automatically after one hour.
• Do not try to turn back the times as it will damage the switch.
• Lava rock will be very hot after the fire has been in operation.

Fire Pit Guidelines

All approved recreational fires must adhere to the following guidelines (failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a fine for the person organizing the fire pit or forfeiting future permission to use a fire pit):

• The fire must be fully contained in a College-owned fire pit. No fire may be built directly on the ground, or on any other surface. Personally owned fire pits may not be used by students on the College campus and will be confiscated.
• The fire pit must stay in its approved location and cannot be closer than 30’ from any campus building or parking lot.
• The group using the fire pit is responsible for extinguishing the fire.
• The fire pit must remain attended at all times while the fire is burning, and throughout this time the water must remain within reach in case of an emergency.
• When the event is over the remnants of burning wood and coals must be thoroughly drenched with water. When drenching the fire, apply enough water to ensure that all of the embers have been extinguished.
• Due to the risk of fire, coals and remnants of burnt wood may not be placed in a College dumpster until they are fully extinguished.
• Burn only dry seasoned wood or quick-starting logs designed for use in campfires or fireplaces. Students will need to purchase their own wood as the College does not supply firewood.
• Never burn treated wood, construction lumber, or any material that can pose an environmental or health hazard (e.g., plastic, Styrofoam, oil, or rubber).
• Never burn any paper products or cardboard or other combustible trash as these materials burn too hot and generate too much ash.
• Never break or destroy trees, shrubs, bushes, or landscaping on campus to use for firewood or fuel.
• Unused wood may be stacked neatly next to the fire pit.