Explosions at Burning Man

[JennyTBay]

Hi!

I'm a newbie burner - I just got tickets for the 2015 burn and am REALLY excited about all the art, music and culture.

My one concern is, I'm deathly TERRIFIED of explosions (bombs, fireworks, gunshots, etc). On a phobia type level. I realize that these things happen at Burning man, but how prevalent is it? If there's going to be a huge explosion or pyrotechnics display are these things I'd know about before hand and can steer clear of? OR is it something that I should expect to happen at any moment all the time. I'm just trying to gauge if I'm going to be utterly terrified for most of my time there, or if it's just a few events I can trek to the opposite side of the playa to avoid.

Any suggestions would be SUPER appreciated.

cheers,
Jenny

[Simon of the Playa]

wow.


you know, this could be the best thing for you....to get out of your comfort zone, and face something that you are afraid of.


personally, i love the explosions, and here's a little story, before burning man, i was terrified of needles, but, because of my desire to attend, i took a dare, and got the first of many tattoos.


you never know, you could be a pyrotechnic professional in the making.

[VultureChow]

Fireworks are planned well in advance and scheduled. You can miss those easily. Most of the major burns, except the temple will involve fireworks. All of this happens at night on the playa, not in the city itself. So you can avoid the major burns, and/or stay in the city at night.

That said, there are a ton of flame throwers at night on mutant vehicles. They can be loud, sudden and intimidating.

But no, there's no need to live every second in fear of something exploding.

[skippy3k]

I have difficulty with sudden, unexpected loud sounds. Probably not on the same level as you, I will admit. I share a lot of the similar traits as HSP people (highly sensitive people...I know, it sounds hippy dippy) so I for me I used to always be worried about the unexpected sounds, lights, music, etc wearing me out. For whatever reason....it doesn't bother me out there on the playa. At least not anymore than anyone else here. You will read a lot of people recommending a "quiet place" to retreat to when it all gets too much, and I think this great advice really applies to everyone, regardless of their phobias.

So I guess what I'm saying is in my experience, the playa has a tendency to even out the playing field; problems you may have in the default world tend to not transfer over to BM as often as you may think. VultureChow is right though....most of the unexpected, sudden sounds I run across are the flame throwers on the mutant vehicles. I've never experienced actual explosions out there. Well....except for in the porta-potties.

[FIGJAM]

The flame throwers can be HUGE and happen at anytime.

Some rattled the walls of my playapod from 100 feet away!!!!!!!!!!

[some seeing eye]

Everyone's experience is different. There are so many psychological changes from altitude, sleep cycle, novelty, pharmaceuticals, dust, the swirl of experience that you may not even notice the fireworks at the beginning of the man burn. And bring earplugs, you will need them for sleep. You will have an excellent adventure!

[melodiousdirge]

There are several people gleefully scaring the shit out of passers by with sudden bursts from propane flamethrowers, yes. Not quite an explosion but something to be aware of; they can be relatively easily avoided if you're paying attention - if there is an art car nearby with flame cannons on the front, expect some poofs.

[rmc50]

How far away from a fireworks show do you need to be?

You can count on there being fireworks when the Man burns. You can count on there NOT being fireworks when the temple burns.

I don't recall there being any firecrackers or similar fireworks being shot off in the camp area. I am sure it happened here and there, just like it might at any gathering of people, but it isn't a common thing.

Random, organized, legal firework shows on the playa will happen. These might actually be listed in the book but they caught me by surprise last year. I just happened to be on the playa and in a good spot when suddenly a fireworks show started.

If you can deal with professional firework shows from a reasonable distance then I would say don't worry about it. If you need to hide from them no matter how far away they are then I would recommend staying in your camp from 8:30 to 10:00 PM each night.

Rod

[Just_Joe]

The Monday night fireworks show is called BURN IT. 9pm. More or less.
But yeah, random pooofing mutant vehicles are what you're gone need to get used to

[Token]

It's not the big explosions, it's the never ending cacophonous drone of bass.

Like forever licking Skippy peanut butter from the roof of your mouth.

[ACfromSAC]

Be happy you weren't there for the Monday morning storm last year. Those thunder claps were the loudest fucking things I've ever heard in my life. I thought something massive exploded next door to my camp when I was woken up by the first. Turned out it was just a lightning strike about 20 yards away, no big deal. That definitely wasn't planned in advance.

[trilobyte]

Participants are not allowed to bring either guns or fireworks. While some people do manage to sneak fireworks in, I've generally found that there are less random fireworks being set off than you'd experience people setting off at new year's in a city.

There are fireworks and explosions at the event, but they are at staged burns or events. There are a number of burns throughout the week, but those happen out in the open playa (not city streets), and are usually preceded by things like a big perimeter being cleared and crowds gathering around that perimeter. Outside of those, the only big boom I can think of is the anvil... Here's a clip of it from last year that I was fortunate enough to capture (there's a countdown and then a boom, adjust the sound or mute the volume as you see fit).

[media]

As the crowd was gathering (at a safe distance, I might add) safety was covered. The people behind that are skilled pyro people who've probably practiced and 'performed' the blowing up of the anvil hundreds of times.

Beyond event-related stuff, it's worth pointing out that for the most parts the outer streets are more quiet than the inner streets. If you look at the city map, the innermost street (known as the Esplanade) is like a busy downtown city street - lots of noise coming from all directions at various times of night or day. As you move outward from that street, things tend to get a bit less noisy. It'll go from big city to suburbia to small town as you go. As you're out and about exploring, at any point if you're feeling like there are too many unexpected loud noises or too many people, just head back away from the city center a bit.

I hope that helps!

[torrey.smith]

Once in a while you get an explosion, but everyone thinks they're really Crude.

[media]

[maladroit]

I would say the propane fire effects often qualify as fuel-air explosions. Many, many art cars have poofers and will use them randomly. From a few dozen yards away, there will be a loud sound, a concussion in the air, a sudden bright light, and an instant feeling of heat on your skin. Personally...I love that.

[media]

[Sham]

wow.


you know, this could be the best thing for you....to get out of your comfort zone, and face something that you are afraid of.


personally, i love the explosions, and here's a little story, before burning man, i was terrified of needles, but, because of my desire to attend, i took a dare, and got the first of many tattoos.


you never know, you could be a pyrotechnic professional in the making.

Simon seems to offer the most sensible approach to your fear. Burning Man has become a great place to hit your fears head on. Short people can wear 1 foot high shoes. Bald people can wear big wigs. Shy people can be outgoing and the life of the party.
The classic is fear of being nude and feeling vulnerable in public.
Whatever your fear or phobia is, this is the place to make it go away.
I recall standing in from of the big oil rig explosion in 2007 when it was ignited. I just just laughing uncontrollably over this spectacular explosion.
Come with a positive attitude and make your fear go away.

[Elliot]

I agree with Simon and Sham. But first of all... Welcome to ePlaya!

As for my suggestion.... I'm thinking you might ask your doctor about an anti-anxiety medication, to have as a backup plan. Not to munch on all week, but to give you a breather from your efforts, if need be.

(And try not to camp next to EspressoDude and his cannon.)

[some seeing eye]

A couple other tools for your zone trip. Some camps are calm and chill. The Heebeejeebee Healers has sign ups for body work and a large shaded space to just relax and chat or be alone. Playa medical has a spot for psychic emergencies with professional staff. Some there may be in more serious trouble, but it's there. I agree flame effects can be loud and turn on percussively.

[dragonpilot]

I recall standing in from of the big oil rig explosion in 2007 when it was ignited. I just just laughing uncontrollably over this spectacular explosion.

Yeah, right? We were about 4 rows back and all thot we were going to be fried...I mean, there was a fucking mushroom cloud!

[Savannah]

Hi!

I'm a newbie burner - I just got tickets for the 2015 burn and am REALLY excited about all the art, music and culture.

My one concern is, I'm deathly TERRIFIED of explosions (bombs, fireworks, gunshots, etc). On a phobia type level. I realize that these things happen at Burning man, but how prevalent is it? If there's going to be a huge explosion or pyrotechnics display are these things I'd know about before hand and can steer clear of? OR is it something that I should expect to happen at any moment all the time. I'm just trying to gauge if I'm going to be utterly terrified for most of my time there, or if it's just a few events I can trek to the opposite side of the playa to avoid.

Any suggestions would be SUPER appreciated.

cheers,
Jenny

Hey Jenny!

Like Trilo says, you won't encounter much in the way of guns or bombs (I can't recall any). Loud fireballs? Yes. Fireworks? Yes, definitely; a few smuggled (maybe) but mostly at the Saturday night Burn. If you're not in the mood for fireworks or the fireball that typically erupts at the Burn of the Man, offer to be the one who stays behind at camp on Saturday night for an hour or two, guarding The Stuff. (Burn Night can result in some opportunistic thefts by a few departing bad apples.) If you hang around with a cocktail and a lantern and patrol your square footage, you've just done your camp a significant favor.

As security officer, you can also remind folks to lock car doors and bicycles, & hide phones, devices, tools, & alcohol out of sight. Helps a lot.

The alarming thing you are most likely to encounter are the aforementioned fire effects on mutant vehicles. They can be startling, but there's also something extremely funny and over-the-top about 'em (in my opinion). I jump--and then I laugh. I hope you'll get used to it, too.

If feasible for you, I really like Elliot's suggestion of a nice anti-anxiety prescription from your doctor, for just in case. (Leave it in the original bottle with your name on it.) You should also know that Emergency Services and the Ranger stations can advise you of how to get to a mental health resting place called "Sanctuary" (typically near Center Camp near the Ranger Station).

Dealing with the thing that scares you in measured doses can be very healthy. The Burn has lessened my fears of many things and forced me to grow (sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly) as a person. I hope it's the same for you.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment ... herapy.asp

Good luck, & welcome!

[digital]

Fireworks? Yes, definitely; a few smuggled (maybe) but mostly at the Saturday night Burn.

In addition we light a few off Monday night after Gayte opens as a kind of opening ceremony. Nothing big but you might want to avoid Esplanade after nightfall on Monday, especially near the 9:00, 6:00 & 3:00 keyholes. There are also some crazy anvil traditions you want to avoid if inside the city before opening. Those are probably the loudest explosions at BM.

[Melonblue]

Maybe a buddy system, or earmuffs (just make sure you glow really brightly and make some indicator of your hearing deficit)

I would think parents who bring their children (kidsville) may have some excellent suggestions as young children and babies would also be vulnerable to this (not saying you're a baby because of how this effects you)

My partner has service related PTSD/OSI - for him fireworks/gunshots are massive triggers. It's not uncommon for him to walk around on Canada day with his hand on his ears. He loves the colorful display, but not the unexpected noise. It took a good few years of working on it just to get to that point. So please don't rush yourself, the race for a reward might run you right off the track.

Our neighborhood is full of combat vets and we have signs asking for compassion in regards to fireworks outside of regular holidays as a result of some very serious triggers. People are very respectful (save for a couple of dumb shit kids, but what can ya do)

If you are considering medication as a tool to support you in this venture. My suggestion is do it sooner rather than later. Each cocktail of medications needs time to adjust and stabilize while supervised by the prescribing physician/clinician. Last thing you want to do is experiment with a medication ON PLAYA when you are in mid panic And have an adverse and unplanned side effect.

Working on this fear NOW before the event will help prepare your coping strategies for when you arrive and have to face them. I'd much rather see you have a good time then stay huddled in your tent the whole week.

Utilize the mental health services available on playa as previously suggested. They are there to help.
There are funnily enough a ton of psychologists who go to Burning Man every year. Getting support there might be easier than in default (take that one with a grain of salt)

Hugs! its gonna be a great experience

~ Mel

[Jovankat]

If you are considering medication as a tool to support you in this venture. My suggestion is do it sooner rather than later. Each cocktail of medications needs time to adjust and stabilize while supervised by the prescribing physician/clinician. Last thing you want to do is experiment with a medication ON PLAYA when you are in mid panic And have an adverse and unplanned side effect.

This is super good advice!

[mdmf007]

the gas "poppers" or puff balls, are a pretty good bump and often happen right behind you unexpectedly. Clandestine and unplanned fireworks happen but are not the norm. Friday and Saturday are definitely the biggest nights for fireworks. Plan accordingly.

[Molotov]

One of the largest 2014 explosions. Nuclear Dream-and I was on the front row with my video camera. Things get real interesting after the six second mark.

[media]

[digital]

One of the largest 2014 explosions. Nuclear Dream-and I was on the front row with my video camera. Things get real interesting after the six second mark.

One point, however, is that while the gas mortars create a nice fireball they are not loud at all. To me those damn anvil explosions are far more startling while producing no flame effects than the gas bombs which are just nice big fireballs.

I suppose it all depends on what the fear is - big fireballs or loud noises.

[CyanEssence]

You should also know that Emergency Services and the Ranger stations can advise you of how to get to a mental health resting place called "Sanctuary" (typically near Center Camp near the Ranger Station).

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Sanctuary is now in its second incarnation, which is called Zendo.

I can say with relative certainty that Zendo will have two locations this year, and they are near 10:00 and 2:00.

[Savannah]

You should also know that Emergency Services and the Ranger stations can advise you of how to get to a mental health resting place called "Sanctuary" (typically near Center Camp near the Ranger Station).

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Sanctuary is now in its second incarnation, which is called Zendo.

I can say with relative certainty that Zendo will have two locations this year, and they are near 10:00 and 2:00.

Source? The new ESD website still refers to it as "Sanctuary" and there is no "Zendo" searchable on the site at all.
http://esd.burningman.org/brcesdhome/vo ... g/medical/

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a chill space located behind Ranger Headquarters at 5:30 and Esplanade. ESD Sanctuary volunteers work along side Rangers to provide support to and medical evaluation of participants who have ended up in Sanctuary as a result of undergoing inner transformation or experiencing internal or emotional distress. Ideally, ESD Sanctuary volunteers have both clinical and mental health care experience.

ETA: Zendo is not ESD. Volunteers undergo 4 hours of training. It would seem Zendo does attempt to have a medical volunteer on every shift (not sure what level of medical training they seek, or where they're from). Not ESD-affiliated, more like psychological guidance for those under the influence. Anyone who is interested can do further homework I'm sure.

Tempted to link it, but I can't testify as to quality, so I would recommend that anyone interested--google it.

[CyanEssence]

Oh ok, I was mistaken Savannah. I did a little reading after talking with a Black Rock Ranger about a "green dot" call he had to deal with, and felt unequipped for, in 2013. I have never been a ranger myself, so I wanted to look into how those situations should be handled. From this basic reading I learned about these two groups (Sanctuary and Zendo), and somewhere along the line, I got the idea that Sanctuary turned into Zendo. I am not involved with the rangers, Zendo, or Sanctuary, so I never got corrected on this.

After way too much reading (luckily I had some free time tonight), I still can't find the article where I got this idea from, but I found three that might give a clue as to why I thought this was the case.

This one from 2005 talks about how the organization that now runs Zendo used to help the Black Rock Rangers staff Sanctuary. https://www.maps.org/news-letters/v15n3/burningman.pdf

This second one from 2013 describes what Zendo does, and what they do sounds similar in some ways to what the article above says about Sanctuary. http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v23n3/v23n3_43-46.pdf

This last one talks about why the organization that helped staff Sanctuary stopped working with Sanctuary, and this may very well be the reason why I thought Sanctuary was no more. After a more careful reading, I am now realizing that it is saying they just stopped helping at Sanctuary, not that Sanctuary went away. http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v22n3/v22n3_26-27.pdf

Both seem to offer psyche support, when medical/LE support is not needed (freeing up medical/LE staff for medical/LE emergencies). Both also seem to have a calm, supportive space, and compassionate, trained volunteers for people who are in a bad head-space for whatever reason. It seems like they are two different organizations though.

Well, now I know that there are three locations for psyche support on playa, 2, 6, and 10.

[Savannah]

Aye. I read & searched several pages of one of the first Zendo .pdfs listed on google (very informational; about their general mission, etc) but was hesitant to link it. (Didn't have time to decide whether it "promotes" illegal activity--ePlaya legally can't do that if so, though). So the links may or may not come out, if we are forced to remove 'em.

Both seem to offer psyche support, when medical/LE support is not needed (freeing up medical/LE staff for medical/LE emergencies). Both also seem to have a calm, supportive space, and compassionate, trained volunteers for people who are in a bad head-space for whatever reason. It seems like they are two different organizations though.

I really appreciated that part, specifically. I think psychological support for those in altered states is a valuable idea, but most of it is not going to be a matter for ESD . . . but rather, a friendly face.

[CyanEssence]

You know, I was wondering the same thing about linking it or not, but I thought about it like medical services - medical services is not promoting reckless behavior that could result in physical injury, it is the participant making that decision.