Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience Permit


This permit application is used for film companies, special effect companies for performances.


Please use this link (  Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience Permit Application  ) to submit your permit.


NOTE: Before starting the permit application please read.


The Savannah Fire Marshal’s Office provides these guidelines to ensure the safe installation and display of flame effects before an audience.  Using GA 120-3-22 and the most current adopted edition of NFPA 160 and if applicable NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code serves as the guide for the proper use of flame effects.

• Basic requirements of the Fire Marshal’s Office shall include, but are not limited to the following:

The Savannah Fire Marshal’s form, Use of Flame Effects Before a Proximate Audience shall be completed and returned.  Indicate on the form if the flame effect is propane fueled or Lycopodium– A floor plan showing the various firing locations.

• Permit fees 

The permit fees for this permit are $400.00

Permit fee of $400.00 + after hours fee of $260.00 = Total permit fee of $660.00

Flame Effects fueled by LP-Gas systems shall adhere to the requirements of NFPA 58 section 6.17.10.

1. The maximum water capacity of individual cylinders shall be 48 lb (22kg) [nominal 20 lb (9.1 kg) LP-Gas capacity.

2. If more than one cylinder is located in the same room, the cylinders shall be separated by at least 20 ft.(6.1m).

3. Where separation of 20 ft (6.1m) is not practical or safe, reduction of distances shall be permitted with the approval of the Fire Marshal’s Office.

4. Cylinders shall not be connected or disconnected during the flame effect or performance.

5. Certification that the set, scenery and all rigging are inherently flame-retardant or have been treated to achieve flame retardancy.

6. At the time of demonstration readings of the surface temperature of the skin will be measured with an infrared surface thermometer.  The exposed skin of a member of the audience shall not exceed (44C, 111F)

Flame Effect Demonstration. 

7. A required, walk-through and a representative demonstration of the flame effects shall be provided to the Fire Marshal before flame effects are approved.

Interruption of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems 

8. Fire protection and life safety systems shall not be permitted to be interrupted during the operation of flame effects.

9. Portions of fire protection and life safety systems shall be permitted to be interrupted during the operation of temporary indoor flame effects when the following conditions are met:

a) Approval of the Fire Marshal is received.

b) Approval of the owner or owner’s agent is received.

c) An approved Firewatch capable of directing the operation of all fire protection and life safety systems installed in the building is present.

10. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be permitted to be interrupted during the operation of permanently installed indoor flame effects only for initial acceptance of the system.

Flame Effect Devices and Materials 

11. All flame effect devices and materials shall have drawings, manuals, or written descriptions to escribe the type of item and performance specifications of the flame effect created.  

12. This documentation shall be on site and available to the authority having jurisdiction. 

Operating Procedures 

13. All flame effects shall have written operating instructions, including start-up, show operations, normal shutdown procedures, and emergency shutdown procedures.

14. Operating instructions shall be available to the operator.

Additional Fire Safety Provisions for Temporary Installations 

15. Where determined by the Fire Marshal that a need for fixed or additional fire protection equipment or standby fire safety personnel exists, such equipment or personnel shall be provided.  

116. Four or more fire extinguishers of the proper classification and size as approved by the authority having jurisdiction shall be readily accessible while the flame effects performance is being conducted.

17. In all cases, at least two pressurized water, Class 2-A extinguishers and two Class 10-BC extinguishers shall be provided, in addition to those required by NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, for the building.

18. The extinguishers shall be placed so that at least one each is located on opposing sides of the performance where flame effects are used.

Note: The Fire Marshal may approve alternatives to the number of additional fire extinguishers for small productions. 

Standby Fire Safety Personnel Requirements. 

19. The Fire Marshal upon reviewing the required NFPA 160 documentation may require standby fire safety personnel to be present along with operational supplemental equipment.

20. Standby fire safety personnel shall have a working knowledge of the supplemental fixed or portable fire-fighting equipment used in the area of the flame effects.

21. Standby fire safety personnel shall have a means of communication or of transmitting an alarm during the operation of flame effects.

 

The AHJ has the authority to stop the discharge of pyrotechnics/flame effects, the ultimate responsibility for firing shall be that of the pyrotechnic operator.