Welcome to Hearths O' Phyre, where the fire burns bright, and the spirit of community thrives. As you embark on this unforgettable journey, we've put together this survival guide to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Introduction
About Hearths O' Phyre
Hearths O' Phyre is a regional event inspired by the principles of Burning Man, held in Iowa in late September. It's a celebration of art, self-expression, and communal living. Participants come together to create a temporary city where creativity knows no bounds.
What Is Burning Man?
Burning Man is an annual event held in the Nevada desert that serves as the inspiration for regional burns like Hearths O' Phyre. It's a unique experiment in temporary community, emphasizing art, self-reliance, and radical inclusion. Participants from around the world gather to build a city, celebrate art, and embrace the 10 Principles of Burning Man.
Preparing for the Journey
Tickets
Before you embark on your adventure, make sure you've secured your ticket for Hearths O' Phyre. Check the ticketing page for more information and deadlines.
Packing Essentials
Prepare for the event by double-checking your packing list. There are NO RE-ENTRIES to this event. You can leave whenever you want, but if you forgot to bring water, or gas for your generator, or your favorite stuffed animal that you just cannot sleep without you will not be getting back in. This does include emergency situations.
That being said, make sure you bring the following:
ID (Will be required to get into the event)
Shelter (tent, RV, or other)
Sufficient water supply
Food
Weather-appropriate clothing
First-aid kit
Camping gear
Power Supply (batteries, generator, hand-crank, etc)
Travel and Transportation
Plan your journey to the event carefully. Consider carpooling with fellow participants to reduce environmental impact. Familiarize yourself with the venue's location and transportation options.
Survival Essentials
Shelter
Choose a suitable shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Tents, RVs, and yurts are popular options. Ensure your shelter is secure and provides adequate shade. Be prepared to deal with high winds. The land is pretty flat and open and does not provide much for windbreaks. The weather in Iowa during this time can vary greatly and can be extreme.
Water
Stay hydrated by bringing an adequate supply of water. Aim for at least one gallon per person per day. Bring reusable containers to reduce waste. There is a potable water spigot on site as well as other spigots around the camping grounds. DO NOT RELY on this as your water source. They are not always available and may be shut off for various reasons. ALWAYS bring your own supply of water.
Food
Pack non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items. Don't forget any special dietary needs. A small camp stove can be handy for cooking.
Clothing
Pack clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm days and chilly nights or cold days and hot nights. Bring rain gear and rain boots. You don't want to be packing your tent up in the rain without your rubbers. Consider costumes for themed events or just because you like it.
Health and First Aid
Bring a basic first-aid kit to address minor injuries. Know the location of medical facilities at the venue. Also know that this event is staffed entirely by Volunteers including the Medic staff.
Participation and Community
The 10 Principles of Burning Man
Radical Inclusion
Gifting
Decommodification
Radical Self-reliance
Radical Self-expression
Communal Effort
Civic Responsibility
Leave No Trace
Participation
Immediacy
Embrace these principles in all your interactions and activities.
Volunteering
Get involved by volunteering your time and skills. It's a great way to contribute to the event and connect with the community.
Theme Camps
Explore the various theme camps offering unique experiences.
Navigating the Event
Venue Maps
Familiarize yourself with venue maps to locate essential facilities, art installations, and key event areas.
Event map (this is still being produced and will be published soon)
Ice Sales
Ice can be purchased for $8/20lbs bag
Ice is available on-site for purchase. Ice is usually for sale for a limited amount of time during each day. These times may vary from year to year so please check-in with the volunteer staff for the times. Ice sales are located near the front of the event.
Camp Fires
Camp fires are allowed within personal firepits. All camp fires must be raised from the ground. Fires must be attended at all times.
Fire Wood
Fire wood is for sale for $20/big load. Look for a truck driving around the event and flag them down to get a load for you camp.
Bringing your own firewood when camping might seem like a convenient idea at first, but there are several important reasons why it's generally not recommended and, in many cases, even prohibited by campsite regulations and environmental policies:
Pest and Disease Spread: One of the most significant concerns is the potential to introduce harmful pests and diseases to the area. Insects, fungi, and other pathogens can reside in firewood, and transporting it from one location to another can inadvertently spread these threats to the local ecosystem. This can harm local trees and disrupt the balance of the natural environment.
Invasive Species: Some firewood may come from non-native tree species. If you bring this wood to a new area, it might contain seeds, spores, or insects from the non-native trees. This can lead to the introduction of invasive species, which can outcompete and harm native vegetation.
Restrooms
There will be multiple portable restrooms located throughout the campgrounds. In addition there are a bank of stationary restrooms located near the main structures of the event.
Please observe proper etiquette when using these restrooms. Only human waste and toilet paper should go into a porta potty.
Feminine hygiene products, diapers, toilet paper rolls, and pretty much anything else can clog up the machines that clean out those bad boys at the end of the day.
Keep the lids closed when not in use. It how you keep the portos from smelling!
Showers
The event grounds have several showers available for your use during the event. These are located near the entrance. Check the venue map for the exact locations.
Please remember to clean up after yourself. Do not leave items behind in the shower like soap or any other hygiene products.
Art Installations
Hearths O' Phyre is home to incredible art installations. Take time to explore and appreciate the creativity on display. Please respect the wishes of the artist on whether or not the art piece can be interacted with or touched.
Entertainment and Activities
Stay informed about scheduled events, workshops, performances, and music to make the most of your experience. And remember Hearths O Phyre is not a spectator event. Everything that goes on at the burn is done by people just like you.
Safety and Etiquette
Fire Safety
Fire is an integral part of Hearths O' Phyre. Adhere to safety guidelines and respect fire art installations. If you are bringing fire to the event remember to check-in with a member of F.A.S.T (Fire Arts Safety Team).
Radical Inclusion
Treat everyone with respect and inclusivity. Embrace diversity and build meaningful connections.
Leave No Trace
Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace" by cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your environmental impact.
After the Burn
Event Reports
As an official Regional of Burning Man, the event coordinators are required to produce an After Burn report. This report contains a lot of information about the event that is open to everyone for viewing.
Connecting with the Community
Stay connected with the Hearths O' Phyre community year-round through social media and regional gatherings.