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Outdoor Tent or Canopy Vendor Requirements

All requirements are per the 2021 International Fire Code

ALL tents and/or canopies must be

  1. Certified as Flame Resistant.
  2. Placed 20 FEET from any cooking area/device.

Signage

  1. NO SMOKING
  2. EXIT signs are required over each exit (lighted and with emergency lighting present if the tent is occupied at night).

Exits

  1. Shall be spaced at approximately equal intervals and swing out.
  2. Distance between exits shall not exceed 100 FEET.
  3. Number of exits and size
    • 2 exits at least 72 INCHES wide for occupancy load of 10 to 199.
    • 3 exits at least 72 INCHES wide for occupancy load of 200 to 499.
    • 4 exits at least 96 INCHES wide for occupancy load of 500 to 999.

Means of Egress must be

  1. Clearly Marked.
  2. At least 44 INCHES wide.
  3. Maintained free and clear at all times.
  4. Not obstructed by guide wires, ropes or supports.

Fire extinguishers

  1. A minimum of one 5lb dry chemical (2A:10B:C) fire extinguisher is required.
  2. Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher shall be <75 FEET.
  3. Shall be mounted or secured to prevent accidental discharge.
  4. Shall be in close proximity for welding and any other spark producing demonstrations or exhibits.

Vehicles or trailers on display

  1. Vehicles must contain LESS THAN 5 GALLONS of fuel.
  2. The fuel fill cap must be taped over.
  3. The battery must be disconnected.

Accessories with fuel tanks inside the tent (generators, blowers, chain saws, engines, etc.)

  1. Equipment cannot be running or operable.
  2. Batteries for equipment must be disconnected.
  3. Little or no fuel in the fuel tank.
  4. The fuel tank must be taped over.

Heating

  1. Gas, liquid, and solid fuel-burning equipment shall be designed to vent to the outside air.
  2. Such vents shall be equipped with approved spark arresters when required.
  3. All portions of the tent or canopies shall be NOT LESS THAN 12 INCHES from the flue or vent.
  4. Heating equipment shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids or Gases

  1. Flammable and combustible liquid-fueled equipment shall not be used in tents or canopies.
  2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored outside in an approved manner NOT LESS THAN 50 FEET from tents or canopies.
  3. Operating generators shall be separated from tents and canopies by a minimum of 20 FEET and shall be isolated from contact with the public by fencing, enclosure or other approved means.
  4. Portable LP-gas containers LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 500 GALLONS shall have a minimum separation of at least 10 FEET.
  5. Portable LP-gas containers GREATER THAN 500 GALLONS shall have a minimum separation of at least 25 FEET.
  6. Refueling shall be performed in an approved location NOT LESS THAN 20 FEET from the tent.

Additionally

  1. No open flame or open flame devices are to be used UNLESS APPROVED BY THE OSHKOSH FIRE DEPARTMENT.
  2. Fireworks shall not be used inside a tent.
  3. Sawdust, shavings, and other combustible materials for a public performance or exhibit are not prohibited AS LONG AS THEY ARE KEPT DAMP AT ALL TIMES.
  4. No sawdust, shavings, or other combustible materials are allowed under the stands or seats at any time.

PLEASE NOTE

This is not a complete listing of the fire regulations, only an example of commonly violated regulations. The Fire Chief may modify the above regulations. The fire Chief has the ultimate authority of regulations by Local & State Law.

Fire Prevention Bureau
City of Oshkosh Fire Department
(920) 236-5240
fireprevention@oshkoshwi.gov