Fire Safety Policy

The presence of flammable materials and open flames poses a significant danger to the Lewis & Clark community. As such, the College establishes this policy to limit the risk of fire and to prevent damage to personal and College property. The following items are examples of prohibited items in the residence halls, in College buildings, and on College property unless specifically approved by College officials:

• Candles, incense sticks, combustible sage, potpourri burners, or oil burners
• Lit coals, open flame, or embers
• Flammable materials (e.g. gasoline, charcoal, lighter fluid, propane, butane, white gas)
• Torches (e.g. butane torches, welding torches, torch lighters)
• Corrosives such as acids and bases, or other chemicals that could cause harm
• Unattended heat generating sources
• Fireworks or other explosive materials

This list is not exhaustive, and the College reserves the right to apply the policy to non-listed items. Prohibited items are subject to confiscation and destruction.

Ignition of fire, as well as aiding another person or persons in the ignition of fire, in an unauthorized location or in an unauthorized manner is prohibited. This includes outdoor wood-burning fire pits, grills, or kilns and wood-burning open fireplaces in College buildings. Use of wood-burning outdoor fire pits, grills or kilns or wood-burning open fireplaces in College buildings, including residential buildings, requires advance permission in coordination with Campus Safety. Campus Safety will advise of any additional departments who may also need to be coordinated with. All outdoor fires will be restricted during periods of local or statewide burn bans. All community members must report any unattended or unintentional fires on campus to Campus Safety by dialing 503-768-7777.

Exemptions:

• Persons who seek to light candles or smudge for religious or spiritual ceremonies must make advanced arrangements with the Office of Spiritual Life and must comply with College requirements or limitations meant to limit associated fire risks.
• Fire Arts are forms of performance or non-performance art that use active flames as an essential part of the piece. Fire Arts are permitted on campus if conducted in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, College policies, and requirements that may be imposed by College officials. Organizations or individuals interested in engaging in these or any other activities involving open flame must work with the Office of Student Engagement to determine necessary and appropriate parameters and must also receive advance approval from the Fire Marshall.