PDX Fireless Jam's topics - tribe.net

Staff Spinning Workshops with MCP from Scotland!

shireen — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:44:08 GMT

Staff Spinning Workshops with MCP from Scotland!
May 24 & 25

Flow Form Movement Studio
5040 SE Milwaukie Ave (at Mitchell St.)
Portland, OR 97202

Learn contact and double staff from one of the most talented, innovative and experienced instructors in the field, MCP from Scotland!

Want to see some of what you could learn during the weekend? Check out some videos of Meg:
http://www.youtube.com/user/meghanclairepike

For more information, and to register:
http://www.flame-buoyant.com/workshops/mcp/workshop.htm

Advance registration strongly suggested, but not required.

The hour in between each class is designed for individual attention, review and the chance to play with other props.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, May 24
Double Staff Workshops

noon-1p Beginning Double Staff
2-3p Isolation, Antispin, Hybrids & Staff on Staff Contact
4-5p Routine Building with a Partner
You do not need to sign up with a partner to take this class.

Sunday, May 25
Contact Staff Workshops

noon-1p Beginning Contact
2-3p Advanced Contact
4-5p Contact Passing & Routine Building with a Partner
You do not need to sign up with a partner to take this class.

The hour in between each class is designed for individual attention, review and the chance to play with other props.

Workshop Pricing
1 workshop $20
2 workshops $35
3 workshops (all day) $50
come for the whole weekend for only $80!

For more information, and to register:
http://www.flame-buoyant.com/workshops/mcp/workshop.htm

All workshops will be held
Saturday, May 24th & Sunday, May 25th

Flow Form Movement Studio
5040 SE Milwaukie Ave (at Mitchell St.)
Portland, OR 97202

See you there!

burning brightly, flying high & walking tall,
shireen

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies

Update (?)

~Ang~ — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:19:21 GMT

from Mark Warrington at the Parks Dept.

Hi Folks,

Re: East Bank Esplanade Festival Areas and Parking lots - Sunday Nights
Fire Performance - Parks Permit

UPDATE:

I have done the following:

1. Confirmed that the Park Manager responsible for the area is Zone Manager, Terri Davis. I briefed her on the situation and she said that Bob Stillson (District Maintenance Supervisor) should be the point of contact for maintenance and park use issues relative to a Parks Permit for fire performance activities.

2. Confirmed that the Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) staff you should work with for a parks permit is Cary Coker 503-823-2514 ( who was at our 4-24-08 meeting) and his co-worker in Special Events...Kita Xayachek 503-823-2516

3. Had standard parks signs mounted in the Park plaza areas:
"Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited -- Park Closed at Midnight."

4. Discussed this with PDC and City Center Parking (who Manage the Parking lots) --- they will implement pay for parking 24/7 (eliminate free parking on Sundays) in the parking areas there

5. I will have Park Rangers, the parking lot security provider, help monitor the situation there and stay in touch with Portland Police Bureau.

Please let Cary and/or me know how your efforts to organize fire performers (who want to use the Park(s) are progressing and if you want to get a parks special use permit.

Finally, thank you for working constructively with us and supporting/complying with the temporary suspension of live fire performance in the Park.

Call me any time.

Best, Mark

Mark M. Warrington, CPP
Public Safety Manager
Portland Parks & Recreation
1120 SW Fifth Ave. Ste. 1302
Portland, OR 97204-1933

Desk 503-823-5459
mwarrington@ci.portland.or.us

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 10 replies

Disappointed....

HisssMeow — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:02:40 GMT

so the rumor is true....
That is sad.
Yes I've been there a few times since the changes occured. I agree that it wasn't as comfortable as when I first began going, and when I first began going (back in a day) people knew what the fuck fire safety was, where the wait line was, where the fuel station was and were respectful enough to say "hey can I spin too when you go out?" and stood in line etc.
Even with the new regulations I would see the disrespect of some of the spinners that seem to mistake anarchy for stupidity. Err... stupidity for anarchy... whatever. Either way I saw even "responsible" spinners with a bit of an ego and some rudeness to me... Funny it simmered down usually when they became familiar with me or realized who I was and that I wasn't just some newbie but someone who has been spinning at the jam for a couple years now. (again, back when things were cool and relaxed and even safe).
I know I wasn't able to attend the meetings. I too am extremely busy as a program coordinator who also fills in many shifts in homes I am short on staffing as well am active in 3 groups in town for animal welfare and earth first. Either way I would show up and when my two cents were given they seemed to be generally tossed back. I didn't much appreciate my knowledge being so disregarded and treated like I was trying to get in on the control rather than expressing my discomfort in the situation.
Not this last week but the week before last I was there at the jam and it actually felt ok to me. I thought we were making progress of not taking the place over (which I can see the point of drummers and audience when the fire spinners come through and appear to claim territory and control) so much but being fare to all.
It is sad that our friend Tre Arrow up at the Detention center no longer has something to look forward to at the end of the week as he sits in his cell charged with crimes that are not something he would have done as an earth first activist. I will have to write him and let him know why.
It really is a shame that it came to this thanks to irrisponsible and beligerent humans who think it's appropriate to fuck off any kind of order in the name of anarchy when they have no clue that what they do is just plain stupid and dangerously wreckless. That's not anarchy kids, grow the fuck up. I resent not slamming my fisted can into the face of the guy that told me it wasn't my business and not to fucking worry about it before all of this happened. He deserved it and I would have had no problem explaining that to my boss.
Anyway, so they were planning this anyway, but I do think that if more responsible spinners would have spoken up to those irrisponsible shit heads when the chaos began, saying "dude, don't smoke that bowl while standing in a spill" or "no open flames, including cigarettes near the fuel station" or "You've been drinking and your last set worried me, how bout sit the rest of the night out", you know, things that USED to be said, then things would have continued, accidents would not have happened like they did, fire department and parks and rec may have given us the space. But no... it was left to a tiny handfull of us, including myself, to step up (alone even) to them until it got so bad everyone took control... and now it's gone.
It's real sad.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 8 replies

April 6

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:16:07 GMT

So, the drummers are exchanging numbers and talking about setting up somewhere else or on another day. Not surprised. I saw some fucked up attitudes there and it mostly the performers (and one angry drummer who, like me, really hates the used car lot flags). I saw the big guy with the face paint barking a lot, and I saw this one guy standing about a foot and a half from an audience member giving him the don't cross the line look with a lit staff. Him I noticed because he kept getting on of the ends real close to my face. You're pushing too hard.

Concerning the barking males. It is an unfortunate reality it seems that when beautiful women are around, many males of the species will display heightened aggressions. There were in fact beautiful women afoot and none of them made a problem so far as I saw, but the pack males need to be reigned in. Seriously. They we really close to STARTING fights. Over safety. For those who are uncertain as to the precise meaning of Irony, there it is.

OK. This all started because of a post from someone from Eugene. Have you ever been to Eugene? Its like this there all the time. This is what they do. I know. Something uncontrolled happens and somebody gets on-line and says "OHMYGODOHMYGOD! We have to do something, think about the children". Then everybody gets into an uproar and the thing they were trying to protect is destroyed. (Really, I swear this happens a lot there) I call it a Drama Grenade - they seem to manufacture them in Eugene.

The point is that in your (about ten) heads you are doing something very important, but really you're just destroying something beautiful.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 18 replies

I hate to say it but.........

Cymbrr — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:50:44 GMT

The last Sunday I went to the fire jam I was shocked and amazed at the amount of cones, streamers, signs and banners with chalk directing people..... My Idea of fire jam consists of having safety information and equipment readily available and people responsible for that, possibly just making sure the fuel station was clearly marked, and having people just be there earlier to hang out, be polite and try to "Steer" the crowd rather than a dictatorship that controls it. I will not participate in the current safety standards or support them and probably will not be coming down to play until the place chills out some. It does not feel very comfortable anymore, seems like an all out war zone! I really appreciate what you guys are trying to accomplish and all the hard work you all have put into it, however I think is overkill.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 16 replies

May 4th

~Ang~ — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:47:35 GMT

I think I'm going to go down to the Fireless Jam on Sunday... to collect more emails in the growing list of fire peeps and supporters for the PDX Fire Jam.
What's the thoughts on continuing to use it as a practice/play/recreation without actually lighting up? Show the parks we're committed. My idea would then be to talk to any one with fuel about what's going on, get their contact, give them a C7 and invite them to the May 18th meeting and direct them to this tribe. At that point I can't stop anyone from their choices. I would think that if some one did light up, I would put my fire toys away and stop spinning. What kinda of effect do you think this would have?
Anyone want to come out and play with me? Help the effort? Thoughts on this direction? expression?

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 11 replies

Angry Guy

gdbears — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:00:48 GMT

Angry Guy is on Northwest Cable News today.
He is speaking out at a homeless rally at city hall today.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 2 replies

Missing!

Jodans — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:44:06 GMT

I know this is a long shot, but hopefully it proves fruitful.
I went to get my staff from my car today and lo and behold, it was gone!
I am not sure if it was stolen when my friend left the door unlocked, or if I forgot it at the burn.
I am hoping the latter and someone found it.
So if you came across a 55-60" long 1" thick red oak staff with black gripping accented by three white tape lines and orange reflective tape at the ends of the grip, please let me know.
A lot of work and money went into making that staff, my first fire prop to call mine own.
Anyway, here's to hoping.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 5 replies

Hope/No Hope

deadletterb — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:19:14 GMT

So when we left around 9pm, I had some hope that the event could be transformed into a safe, legitimate experience.

The drummers were pledging to run off anyone with alcohol, because they cared about being able to continue the event for themselvers. Angrier guy (dru?) was quite civil to me about it, perhaps because we had this new common enemy.

And as I said to the Parks, "Hey, maybe they'll get their shit together, and then the director can designate this a 'fire safe space' and then we can continue.

Well, I came back at 11:00pm to find Georgia's sweater, and this is what I found:

1) a lot less drinking, and yet still drinking (and cans being cracked open as I watched)
2) bottles and cans on the ground
3) no rangers or police (the rangers said they normally get off at 7pm)
4) one fire performer who was new to the situation asking, "so what's gonna happen if I light up?"

This takes away the hope that I had earlier, that the drummers would even be capable of self-regulating the alcohol (the drinkers weren't necessarily AT the drum circle, after all), which means that we would be better off getting the parks department to designate some OTHER spot (Westbank esplanade, under the morrison or burnside bridge, comes to mind) as a legitimate fire performance spot. Then we each get free pinky permits for that spot, and away we go!

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 11 replies

Meeting May 18 to Discuss a New Permitting Process?

deadletterb — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:39:32 GMT

I suggest Sunday, May 18th to discuss a new permitting process. This would be a process for
-individuals
-groups
-venues
to apply for yearly and singleton permits that would cover them, and potentially others under their auspices. The fire department mentioned wanting people to take a class in spotting, fuels and regs, and appropriate fire toys.

May 18th, Sunday
4pm-8pm
5040 SE MIlwaukie Ave
Portland OR

Followed by a spinjam out back/inside if raining.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 4 replies

The Past, the Present, and the Future of Fire Performance in PDX

deadletterb — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:43:22 GMT

The following email is intended to be a useful summary, backstory, and presentation of potential next steps for the interested parties for Fire Performance in this town...

Portland Fire Department
Portland Parks Department
Commissioner Dan Saltzman's Office
Fire Performers
Venue Owners

The Past:

Nearly every skilled fire performer in this town has played with fire on the Eastbank Esplanade in the last 8 years. But think, for a moment, of who was there when you _weren't_ there. IT had long been a great amateur night, however as things got more dangerous/popular, skilled and safe performers stopped going. It was the drums, or the crowd, or the hours, or the risk of losing one's insurance by association, or the total lack of safety.

For whatever reason, the event lost the support and efforts of those most integral to the fire performance community in this town. And yet it continued. From once a month, to twice a month, to every single week. A massive drum circle formed the heart of the activity, with fire jam an unregulated off-shoot from that. This event went undisturbed through the summer of 2007, and through the winter of 2008, with many believing that nothing would ever change.

The Present:

Currently in this town, a performer wishing to perform in a COMMERCIAL building or property needs to get permission from the property management/owner, and then go to the Fire Department for a free "pinkie permit" which says that they have read the C-7s and that the location has been inspected by the Fire Department. Spinning without a pinkie permit in any non-residential setting is grounds for a $500 fine from the fire permit (including those peeps at Last Thursday), as is spinning in violation of the C-7 guidelines (such as spinning with gasoline).

Approximately 6 weeks ago, conversation erupted on several fire lists at once: PDX-Poi, Portland-Oregon Fire Artists Tribe, Oregon Conclave, perhaps others. One persons concern about the flagrant disregard for basic fire and safety was echoed by many, many performers. Many professed distaste for the current Eastbank Esplanade, and expressed the opinion that they hoped it wouldn't affect fire performance around the city.

Well, now it has.

A meeting was called, hosted at Watershed in the SE of Portland, that was attended by

- Ang
- Deb
- Eric
- dlb (myself)
- Steve
- Alan

Our greatest fear at the time was the Fire Department, not the Parks Department. We feared that if the fire department discovered the lack of extinguishers, wet towels, buckets of water, perimeter, safe fuel dumps, and use of illegal fuels, they would gain the impression that fire performance in this town was being run like that in general.

We pledged to be down there for 8 weeks minimum. We met at 6pm each Sunday, brought all necessary fire safety gear and flags/caution tape, our most controversial insertion. After five weeks, the grumbling and anger from the drummers, from fire performers indignant at the change had mostly died away. Things seemed to be moving towards a safe, sustainable spin jam. Other performers began joining the list of fire safety people talking about this topic:

Randy
Samhain
River
etc.

In the background, the wheels of the bureaucracy had already begun turning. The Fire Marshall's office, which has at least some awareness of the conversations that take place in the fire performance community, called Mark Warrington, the head of Parks. Mark Warrington sent down Officer Rob Pickett, who took the names and phone numbers of the Fire Safety team, that first week.

That was the FIRST WEEK the fire safety team had ever been down there, and we congratulated ourselves that the police had left content that safety was being upheld.

Officer Rob Pickett passed the note to Mark Warrington, Director of Parks, who called Steve on April 7th. Steve passed the contact info for Ang, who arranged a meeting with the parks for April 25th, 2007. We believed that the meeting was to demonstrated that we were keeping the event safe by fire safety standards, and to ask for assistance in dealing with the alcohol issue. We also wanted the fire and parks department to back us up on the specifics of how we were keeping the 10’ perimeter called for by the C-7 using flags/caution tape on Parks Property.

The Meeting:

Yesterday’s meeting had the following attendees:

Parks Department:
Mark Warrington – Director
Cary Coker – Permitting
Barbara Aguon – Safety
Kita Xayachack – Permit Center
Marge White -

Fire Department –
Kari Schimel – Senior Inspector
Jerry Alvarez – Special Event Permitting
Michel Coefield – Special Events

Fire Safety Crew –
Alan Placido
Ben Grad (deadletter b)
Eric Bagai
Steve Burger
Debra Lyn Ochoa
Angela Capello

Independent Fire Performers –
Randy Scheless

While the meeting does deserve its own post, let me summarize briefly here:
Two years ago, the PP&R (Portland Parks and Rec) could have come in, nodded at the current fire safety setup, and asked the Portland Police Department (PPD) to regulate the drinking. If necessary, they could have provided the PFD with written permission to use the property in order that Fire Performers could have individual pinkie permits, meaning that those without permits could be pressured into either not spinning or adopting basic fire and safety standards.

Now, with the “no open flame “ rule, they cannot selectively enforce. The presence of the ubiquitous drinking and partying is to be stopped. Unfortunately, the PP&R feel that they cannot enforce that rule without enforcing the “no open flames rule”.

As of Sunday, we have been told that the PFD, PP&R and PPD will be down to enforce the No Open Flame rule, and to ticket/expel people from the park for drinking.

This means that the DRUM circle can go on. If it doesn’t drink. And if it’s main adherents aren’t expelled for drinking. The Fire Jam aspect is done. For Now.

PP&R reactions in other parks:

Now that the PP&R has become aware of the problem, fire performers in other parks need to be aware that they are breaking the following regs:

1) No Open Flames
2) Performing without a Pinkie Permit, which cannot be obtained for a public park.

The risk for the former is a ticket or expulsion for a year (probably a warning or a desist). The risk for the latter is a $500 fine per person from the PFD (probably a warning or a desist).

Portland Fire Department Reactions:

Jerry Alvarez and Kari Coleman said that it is time to have a more comprehensive permitting system for fire performers. The days of no regs or a Pinkie Permit are nearing an end! I believe that we should grasp this process by the horns and turn it to our advantage. It is not a given that a more comprehensive permitting system (yearly permits by location, individual or troupe) need cost money – they would instead involve a few hours of class in spotting, fuels and regs, and appropriate fire tool composition (no cotton, no wires, etc).

THE FUTURE:
Here’s what we’re going to do: I spent the morning in Commissioner Sam Adams and, more importantly, Commissioner Dan Saltzman’s (parks and rec commissioner) talking about the issue. I would have visted with the Fire Commissioner, however that is currently vacant awaiting the special election. I will attempt to get this email to the two main candidates, Jim Maddaugh and Nick Fish.

The plan would be to have the “Open Flame” rule amended in the following manner:

20.12.110 Fires, Fireworks and Smoking Prohibited.
A. No person shall light any fire in any Park, except in areas and/or facilities designated by the Director for such use and in conformance with all applicable laws. This Section does not prohibit lighting cigarettes, cigars or pipes in areas where smoking is permitted.

B. No person shall possess or ignite any fireworks in any Park, where such possession or use is unlawful under State law. No person shall possess or ignite any otherwise legal fireworks in any of the following Parks, without a permit:

1. Pioneer Courthouse Square;
2. O’Bryant Square;
3. Lownsdale Square;
4. Forecourt/Ira Keller Fountain;
5. Ankeny Square;
6. Classical ChineseGarden;
7. Block 5 Park (Moyer);
8. Eastbank Esplanade;
9. HolladayPark;
10. Any nature park or area designated as a natural area;\
11. Any other Park or Park area designated by the Director.

C. No person shall light or smoke any tobacco products within twenty-five (25) feet of any play structure, picnic table or designated children’s play area, or in an area under permit where prohibited by the permit holder, or in any other place in any Park where smoking is prohibited by the Director.

PROPOSED: (there are other ways to change this, as well, such as ONLY designated the Eastbank Esplanade)
D. Individuals with a yearly permit on file with the Portland Fire Department in their own name are permitted to juggle, perform with, and practice fire performance on PP& R property according to the following guidelines:

1. All c-7 guidelines are followed, especially
i. use of appropriate fuels\
ii. 10’ perimeter maintained between active fire performers and any audience, spectators or passerby
iii. Fire safety personnel present, even if no passerby present
2. No fire performance or fire breathing within 25’ of wooden restrooms, play structures, picnic table, or shelter.
3. Fire performers, perimeter or other setup will maintain a minimum 8’ of passage for the public on public walks and right-of-ways.

Again, if the Open Flames ordinance were amended, the drinking could leave, and the drummers and safe fire performers could stay.

This conversation continued on http://tribes.tribe.net/PDXFIREJAM
--
__________________________________________________________________________
Dead Letter: You've Got A Friend In Noise

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 9 replies

Posters, Signs, & Flyers

Eric — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:14:48 GMT

Some new posters and flyers that will be up tonight and in the future. These will surely be changed/edited and added to, so check the "photos" or "all" tabs for this tribe periodically.

Got any ideas on what else in the way of signs, flyers, and posters is needed at the PDX FireJam? Anything we should borrow from other Jams & Tribes?

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 5 replies

April 27th - Oregonian interview

~Ang~ — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:09:18 GMT

I'm not sure what to expect of this Sunday's Fire Jam... as it's been told, the event will be shut down by either the Parks Dept, Fire, or Police.
Two weeks ago an Oregonian reporter contacted me through tribe and I'm sure from the beginning conversations of this tribe. He asked me to contact him if the story changed, and after the meeting with the Parks Dept. I did.

David Santen would like to meet with others about these events... 6:30 at Lucky Lab. The plan is to then go down to the Fire Jam.

I would like to go and collect contact information from fire spinners as a resource of people wanting to be involved in talking to these agencies in helping us continue the Fire Jam. This is an opportunity to bring more fire community together and to pass out information/education.

~Ang~

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies

Meeting with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept.

~Ang~ — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:24:37 GMT

A group of fire community safety volunteers met with the Parks Dept. and the Fire Dept. today.
Six years ago representatives from the fire community met with the Parks Dept. and Fire Dept. to put in place the Portland C7 fire performance guidelines, which has been a model for many other major cities. To be within these guidelines we must have the permission of the venue's property owner... in this case the Parks Dept. At the start, the Parks Dept. allowed the Sunday Fire Jam, and have since thought the event had dissipated... within the last two years a new 'no flame' ordinance has been added to public parks. With the Parks Dept.'s current knowledge of the event and with the new 'no open flame' ordinance, they will be shutting down the long running PDX Fire Jam. This will have a big effect on the fire community here in Portland. It's sad on so many levels that this iconic Portland event will be shut down. We are hopeful though, as both the Parks Dept. and the Fire Dept. have promised to work with us in figuring out alternatives and solutions for the Portland fire community.

What I find of interest:
There was a representative from both the fire community and the Parks Dept. that were from the original group who met 6 years ago. In my opinion the Parks Dept. seemed willing to work with us, but could only issue us an event permit since fire performing is in violation of the 'no open flame' ordinance. Where as a pinkie permit from the Fire Dept. is free, an even permit from the Parks Dept. is far from it. It would require the permit fee as well as additional services such as security.

The Fire Dept. bringing up a certification process for fire performers, much like a drivers license or gun safety course.

References made in comparison to the Burnside Skatepark where there is a public park location with a very specific purpose and circumstances. http://www.skateoregon.com/Burnside/Burnside.html

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 2 replies

April 20th

~Ang~ — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:11:46 GMT

I'm pulling the late shift at the fire jam this Sunday... I usually can't stay late, but I feel like I miss a bunch of peeps I'd like to see. There's a lot happening that day, and I expect more people to be at this 3rd Sunday's fire jam... I can help load the safety gear and get it back to the Watershed. What time is pack up time? How well does safety sustain itself later in the evening? Anyone else planning to help the late shift? Who's on set up? Any new volunteers?

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 3 replies

fire extinguisher source?

shireen — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:39:15 GMT

i love the idea of giving people safety kits, then they have no excuse...

if you're looking for cheap/free extinguishers, see if one of the safety supply shops that recharge them will give you the unclaimed extinguishers i bet they have piling up everywhere.

good luck!

shireen

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 4 replies

Meeting tonight...

deadletterb — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:47:40 GMT

Watershed
5040 SE MIlwaukie
7:00pm ish

To discuss: success so far, Parks Department & Police involvement, next steps, Sunday.

;-b

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 11 replies

Sorry

Cymbrr — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:36:40 GMT

I Started this tribe and have not made it to any meetings or any fire jams since... I have been sick lately, some flu thing that robs you of all of your energy ack! I got my entire troupe sick as well. I am sorry for not making it and I hope to be feeling better soon :-)

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies

March 30th debrief - April 6th next!

deadletterb — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:19:48 GMT

So last night, the biggest issues were a) the cross traffic behind and through b wanting to make more room for audience and c) performers who aren't actively performing walking around, visiting their friends, etc.

For cross traffic, we discussed having many, many, many more cones. I'm going to consistently vote against connecting stanchions with caution tape cause I don't like the idea of something in my way if I try to move backwards fast. I'm willing to be outvoted.

Over at the east side where the fire extinguisher was, over to the port-o-potties, and I want exactly that kind of barrier - stanchions/caution tape line. I DO NOT want any more random traffic behind.

Second, let's pull back a little from the painted area and give some more area over to audience, but still stop them at the same post. I really don't want the walking traffic over on the dirt in the north - they WILL spill out into fire safeties trying to watch performers.

Third, let's chalk on the ground a shaded 'entrance/exit' channel' to the fuel dump, encourage an on-deck location, and stop the snooty-snooty snarf snarfs from trying to show how cool they are by walking into 'backstage' to show that they are IN crowd. EVERYBODY walks around the Porto-potties, even ourselves.

I'm thinking that the north side is incoming fire performers (on deck 1, on deck 2, etc) and the south y the porto-potties is exiting back to the fuel dump for people coming off, and anyone who wants to talk to their friends can either go around to the first post (that was caution taped off yesterday) to talk to their buddies on deck, or walk around to the fuel dump.

;-b

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 27 replies

Safety at last

Sabrina — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:40:57 GMT

Hey all...I stopped by the jam site last night and I already saw a HUGE improvement. There were two safety stations, a designated soak station and lines to hold back the crowd. It was great and thanks for everyone who made this all possible! Oh, someone painted some really cool art work on the cement (I have no idea who) it looks cool, but be careful cause it is pretty slippery!

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies

April 6th - set up

~Ang~ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:05:17 GMT

What time does set up happen?

What are the needs?

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 14 replies

Meeting

debs — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:06:37 GMT

Sunday, March 23
7:30 PM - 9 PM
Watershed

Discussion:
Introductions
Overview of what people believe the problems are
What do we want as a community
How might we go about resolving the situation/issues
How are we each willing to offer support

Everyone is invited. Please know that by attending you are not committing to participating or being involved in any way. Your input is encouraged and we want everyone to feel comfortable speaking up and offering their unique view.

Debra

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 24 replies

Fire Jam Documentary

John — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:24:13 GMT

A few of the folks who post here know that I have been working on a short documentary about the Jam for the last 6 or 7 months. I would really like to get some footage of the folks who are working to rescue/repair the jam. I do not, however, want to get in the way of your efforts.

We will be shooting this Sunday night.

If it is cool with the volunteers, I'd like to have cameras rolling while you prepare the space, and to try to get some interviews about what happened, and what you hope to accomplish.

There is a release form to fill out if you want to talk on camera, and there will be as many as three big cameras floating around the edges of the scene from time to time, but we will otherwise try to be unobtrusive.

If you have any objections, questions, of concerns, please let me know.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies

Cookies seeking a cookie monster

~Ang~ — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:20:27 GMT

It was talked about bringing treats to the fire jam on April 6th... I'm volunteering to bake cookies if I can get a volunteer to be Cookie Monster and give them away... preferably someone not doing safety or spinning, an ambassador of cookie goodness.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 1 reply

the WEEKLY jam??????????????????????????????????????????????????

alan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:25:21 GMT

Yes, they (the drummers and some spinners) are doing the jam every Sunday night. Ang, Steve and Eric stayed for a while with me and we all observed no safety station, open flame around the fuel area, etc. I stayed in the area until 11:30pm and the scene was beginning to taper off.

By summer (if unchecked), this off-Sunday jam could go into the wee hours like the sanctioned events.

What is the policy going to be for this, is it allowed under the permit, and how do we rein it in?

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 4 replies

volunteer fire-fighter

alan — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:36:01 GMT

what's ten dollars? I picked up a brand-new fire extinguisher at Wal-Mart. It's guaranteed to be effective for ten years without a recharge if unused. It's good for class A solids, class B chemicals, and class C electrical source fires. They also sold me a never-been-used five gallon bucket. Red Cross training as a first responder, I possess an ample first aid kit. Count me in at the safety meeting on Sunday.

Y'all juggle fire better today than I could if I started today and studied for the next ten years. My days as a flexible young man are far behind me. As a volunteer fire-fighter though, I could still bring my cameras and enjoy the show. The tactic or goal is preserving the event by ensuring public safety. Let's work out some strategies.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 4 replies

Duvetyne

fzal — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:59:39 GMT

Duvetyne
[aka Commando Cloth]
A heavy black cloth, treated with fire proofing material, which is used for blacking out hot lights, windows, making teasers, hiding cables, and hundreds of other uses.
16 oz is the standard thickness for duvetyne in the motion picture industry.

This is what we use on the Playa when carrying water around would be a serious pain in the butt.
Pick-up a yard for yourself, carry it with you, keep it seperate from your fuel / toys.
Do not wash / launder it, as washing can remove the chemicals that make it fire retardant.

Hollywood Lights
5251 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202-4836
Toll Free: 800.826.9881
Phone: 503.232.9001
http://www.hollywoodlighting.biz
54" wide, 16oz. thickness., $7.35/yd [as of Thursday, 20 March 2008]

http://www.filmtools.com/duv54rolx50y.html
54" wide, 16oz. thickness, $6.25/yd [as of Thursday, 20 March 2008]

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 3 replies

FIR-3.07 - Fire Performance Art Regulations

Cymbrr — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:56:40 GMT

Hey there I have copied and pasted the regulations currently for portland :-)

FIR-3.07 - Fire Performance Art

FIRE PERFORMANCE ART
Administrative Rule Adopted by Portland Fire & Rescue Pursuant to Rule-Making Authority
ARB-FIR-3.07
PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines to advise "Fire Performance Artists" of safety considerations and practices consistent with fire and life safety codes and public assembly safety concerns.
SCOPE:
This policy applies to all acts of Fire Performance Art occurring within all areas in which Portland Fire & Rescue has fire prevention authority. Included are performances or demonstrations of fire breathing, fire juggling, etc. Not included: special effect pyrotechnics (these are addressed under separate permit).
BACKGROUND:
Due to a lack of existing regulations, this policy was developed to address general fire safety for the use of Fire Performance Art. It was developed with the assistance of experienced performers in this field.
REFERENCE:
1998 Oregon Uniform Fire Code, Article 1109.8.4.
DEFINITION:
Fire Performance Art will be defined as any act (fire juggling, fire eating, etc.), in a public or private place, that utilizes fire for entertainment purposes, outside of a protective housing or in ways in which it travels though the air (by one person or between multiple persons). These acts do not include pyrotechnics otherwise regulated under separate permit.
PROCEDURES:
The following information is provided for use by Fire Performance Artists. Failure to follow these procedures may endanger the public and/or the artist.

I. Space Considerations: A 10-foot distance should be maintained between the fire-involved item and any member of the audience, any combustible decoration, and any combustible item within the immediate performance area. A minimum 10-foot ceiling height is also required.
II. Extinguishing Agents:

A. At least one 2A-10BC minimum classification fire extinguisher will be required for each performance to combat any flammable or combustible liquid fires. The Fire Marshal may require additional extinguishers, dependent upon the circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
B. One wet towel for each active fire performer should be provided to extinguish the fire implement. The towel should be white in color to differentiate its use from other colors that might be used to mop up flammable or combustible liquid spills. Towels for mopping up flammable or combustible liquids should be stored in a metal container with a tight fitting lid.

III. Personal Safety:

A. One 5-gallon open-topped bucket of water will be provided for each fire performance area. The intent is for use to cool burns to performers or audience members. The Fire Marshal may require
additional water buckets, dependent upon the circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
B. One trained spotter should be provided for each performance. The spotter shall be positioned between the active performer and the audience. Spotters should be aware of first aid measures for burns and be knowledgeable in the use of, and have ready access to, fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents. The spotter may be a fellow performer who is not currently performing. Additional spotters may be required by the Fire Marshal for larger performances.

IV. Fuels: Common fuels include:
-Deantured Alcohol
-Lamp Oil (smokeless/odorless)
-"Fire Water" brand fuel
-Kerosene (recommended for outside use)
-Stove Fuel
-"Shell Sol T" brand fuel
-"Allume Feu" brand gel fuel
NOTE: Gasoline is prohibited under any circumstance. Stove Fuel may be allowed in either the original container , maximum one (1) gallon on site, or in a UL Listed self-closing Flammable Liquid storage container, maximum one (1) gallon on site.
Unused fuels shall be kept in their original container with the cap in place. The container cap shall be secured on the container opening when the container is not in use. Fuel amounts on-site shall be limited to amounts allowed as per the 1998 Oregon Uniform Fire Code Article 7902.5.7.2.
V. Wicks: It is recommended that wick material consist of cotton wrapped in Kevlar (to prevent breakdown of the cotton as it burns). Synthetic materials should be avoided.
VI. Clothing: The clothing of performers should be of fire resistant materials such as natural fiber, Nomex, and/or PBI.
VII. Smoking: Smoking shall be prohibited within 10 feet of the performance area and in the area of fuel storage.
VIII. Audience: It should be recognized that audiences, especially youthful ones, may not fully understand the dangers associated with fire performance art. Every effort should be made to emphasize the safety precautions and dangers of such activity.
IX. Permit: Fire Performance Artists may secure a Conditional Use permit through the Fire Marshal’s Office. This no-cost permit shall include a copy of this policy. The permit and this policy information should be available on site at all performances and shall be presented upon request. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be cause for revocation of the permit.
HISTORY

Filed for inclusion in PPD June 13, 2003.
Originally adopted by Fire Marshal as Fire Prevention Division Policy Manual Document C-7, effective May 10, 2001.

posted in PDX Fireless Jam - 0 replies