No Guns!

[Elderberry]

I'm aware that firearms are not permitted at the event, but I've never seen any announcement like this before.

Weapons are prohibited at the Burning Man event site (Black Rock City) according to the Closure Order.

The Closure Order is a public announcement that the Bureau of Land Management issues in collaboration with the Burning Man organization and includestemporary restrictions to protect public safety and resources on public lands and makes it possible for us to hold the event.

This year's Closure Order is in effect from August 4th - September 15th (this means from the moment we occupy the site, onward).

Staff (and participants) are forbidden to carry and hold weapons on their person or in their camp/dwelling on the Burning Man event site during this time.

Staff (and participants) found to be storing or carrying weapons will be dismissed for the event and immediately removed from the event site.

In 2013 a staff member was found with firearms and was immediately dismissed and removed from the event site. Weapons onsite will again not be tolerated in 2014. Staff disrespecting important rules such as this reflect poorly on Black Rock City and undermine our autonomy in effectively managing of the event.

Please do not threaten the future of the event - do not bring weapons to the Event Site for any reason!

What qualifies as a weapon? Please review the definition in the 2014 Burning Man Closure Order. It should be noted that if you need a knife for your work, this is permitted but the blade should not be over 10 inches long. If you have questions about something that might be considered a weapon, discuss the issue with your supervisor prior to arriving on the event site.

2014 Burning Man Closure Order https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-1399

Thank you for Listening - we appreciate your help.

[AntiM]

Maybe with all the open carry frenzy, it bears repeating. Or some folks forget what's in the survival guide.

[theCryptofishist]

Someone gets caught and you should expect a tightening up on it.

[GreyCoyote]

It should be noted that if you need a knife for your work, this is permitted but the blade should not be over 10 inches long. If you have questions about something that might be considered a weapon, discuss the issue with your supervisor prior to arriving on the event site.

Interesting! I had never seen or heard of this before.

Unfortunately, slicing a watermelon properly with a knife that small is hard and slow. My watermelon knife has a 16 inch serrated blade and is clearly made for the task. Wouldnt work well for an assault weapon at all.

Maybe its time to take a creative look at alternatives. Maybe one of those wire saws used for backpacking would work? Or maybe a knife with a very blunt, rounded tip and unsharpened end that couldnt be effectively used for stabbing?

One thing for sure: my beloved machete is staying home.

[Roberto Dobbisano]

don't need no steenkin' gun.

[media]

[oly14]

@GreyCoyote Looks like your watermelon knife is OK.

Exception: This rule does not apply in a kitchen or cooking environment or where an event worker is wearing or utilizing a construction knife for their duties at the event.

For those curious, there was a character missing in the Closure Order link. It's https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-13997.

[FIGJAM]

But he WANTS to bring a watermelon garrote!!!!!!!!!!!

[VultureChow]

Sledge-O-Matic is still totally legit.

[FIGJAM]

MOOP-O-Matic?

[AntiM]

Great business opportunity for Empire, bonded weapons storage.

[Mojojita]

I first became aware of this rule many years ago when a member of my camp wore a sword that was not real but a part of a costume on the playa. He was followed until the BLM decided they had enough people to forcibly take in case he decided to resist, then stopped him to relieve him of it, despite the fact that it did not have an edge. He did get it back after the event.

[Bless]

Wow the gun discussion really exploded in the Facebook group.

We have such better etiquette here on eplaya

[BBadger]

Comparing ePlaya to the BM Facebook group is like comparing Burning Man to the Glastonbury Festival.

[Bless]

Well put

[graidawg]

I was advised in '11 not to bring a sword. although i did meet a few people with swords while there.

[AntiM]

I know someone who got a ticket for carrying a sword on the playa.

[Mojojita]

Yes. And, in the spirit of full disclosure, it was a 5 foot long Claymore in a back scabbard…..