You probably have questions, and that’s a good thing. This page is here to offer clarity about Burnt Oranges, our role within the Burning Man Regional Network, and the events and culture we support. Whether you’re brand new, returning after some time away, or just looking to understand how things work, these answers are meant to help you navigate with confidence.
What is the relationship between Burnt Oranges and Burning Man? Burnt Oranges is the official Burning Man Regional organization for Florida. We support year-round community building, events, art, and participation inspired by Burning Man culture, both locally and beyond. Is Burnt Oranges affiliated with the Burning Man Project? Yes. Burnt Oranges is formally recognized by the Burning Man Project as a Burning Man Regional organization. We operate independently as a Florida-based nonprofit while aligning with shared cultural values. What does it mean to be an official Burning Man Regional? Being an official Regional means we act as a point of connection between the local community and the global Burning Man network. This includes supporting events, fostering participation, sharing resources, and upholding cultural principles—while remaining locally led and autonomous. What is the Burning Man Regional Network? The Regional Network is a worldwide web of community-run organizations that support Burning Man culture year-round. Each Regional reflects its local community while staying connected to a broader global ecosystem of artists, organizers, and participants. Do I need to have attended Burning Man to participate in Burnt Oranges events? No. Burning Man experience is not required. Curiosity, respect, and a willingness to participate are far more important than where you’ve been. Does Burnt Oranges sell or allocate Burning Man tickets? No. Burnt Oranges does not sell, distribute, or allocate tickets to Burning Man. Can Burnt Oranges help me get a Burning Man ticket? We can’t help you obtain a ticket. While we’re happy to share general information about Burning Man, all ticketing is handled directly through the Burning Man Project.
What is Afterburn? Afterburn is Florida’s longest-running regional burn—a participant-created, immersive camping event centered on art, self-expression, collaboration, and community. Is Afterburn a Burning Man event? Afterburn is not Burning Man. It is a Burning Man–sanctioned regional event produced by the local community and supported by Burnt Oranges. How is Afterburn different from Burning Man? Afterburn is smaller, more intimate, and deeply shaped by Florida’s creative culture. While it shares principles and participatory spirit, it is its own event with its own identity, scale, and traditions. Do I need Burning Man experience to attend Afterburn? No. First-timers are welcome, and many people experience their first burn-style event at Afterburn. How long has Afterburn been happening? Afterburn has been held annually since 2008, making it the first and oldest regional burn organization in Florida. Where does Afterburn take place? Afterburn takes place in Florida. The specific location may change from year to year and is announced with event details. How can I bring art, a theme camp, or a performance to Afterburn? You can apply through the appropriate art, theme camp, or performance calls when they open. We actively encourage creative contributions and participant-driven experiences. How does volunteering work at Afterburn? Afterburn is powered entirely by volunteers. You can sign up for shifts before or during the event, with roles ranging from build and strike to sanctuary, greeters, and operational support. Is Afterburn open to first-timers? Absolutely. Afterburn thrives because new people bring fresh energy, ideas, and perspectives.
What was Preheat? Preheat was Burnt Oranges’ springtime regional burn, held earlier in the year as a seasonal counterpoint to Afterburn. In the same way that Afterburn takes place after Burning Man, Preheat took place before it. It was a fully realized burn in its own right and an important part of explaining Florida’s year-round burn culture. Does Burnt Oranges still produce Preheat? No. Burnt Oranges no longer produces Preheat. When was the last Preheat event? The final Preheat event was held in 2022. Why did Preheat end? Both Preheat and Afterburn were impacted by the pandemic, and continuing to produce two large-scale burns was no longer sustainable. The Board made the decision to focus resources on a single annual event. Afterburn was selected due to its higher average attendance and the more favorable fall conditions in Central Florida, where spring events often contend with extreme heat and heavy biting insects. Preheat was formally retired in 2022. Will Preheat return in the future? Preheat will not return. However, Burnt Oranges is interested in the possibility of organizing a springtime burn or burn-adjacent event in the future. Any future spring event would be a new offering, distinct from Preheat, and shaped by the current community and capacity.
Who can participate in Burnt Oranges–supported events? Anyone who approaches with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to participate is welcome. Do I have to live in Florida to participate? No. While we’re rooted in Florida, our community includes people from many places. How can I get involved beyond attending events? You can volunteer, support art, help organize events, serve in leadership roles, or contribute skills year-round. Join our Facebook Group or Discord Channel for information on events by Burnt Oranges and Friends of the Org. What kinds of volunteer and leadership roles exist? Roles range from short-term event shifts to ongoing coordination, committee work, and board leadership. How does Burnt Oranges support artists, theme camps, and organizers? We provide infrastructure, guidance, communication, and—when possible—grant support to help ideas become reality.
What principles guide Burnt Oranges–supported events? Burnt Oranges–supported events are guided by the 10 Principles of Burning Man, with consent, accountability, and community care at the center. We believe creativity and radical self-expression thrive best in environments grounded in respect, safety, and shared responsibility. What are the expectations for participant behavior? You’re expected to practice affirmative consent, treat others with dignity, care for shared spaces, and take responsibility for your impact. Participation comes with accountability—to yourself, to others, and to the community as a whole. These expectations are outlined more fully in our Code of Conduct. What does consent mean in practice at Burnt Oranges events? Consent at Burnt Oranges events is affirmative, informed, enthusiastic, reversible, and specific. It applies to physical touch, sexual or intimate interactions, photography and video, entering camps or personal spaces, and any activity that may affect someone else’s emotional or physical experience. Are there limits to radical self-expression? Yes. Radical self-expression does not override consent, safety, or dignity. Some activities—particularly violent or high-impact play—must be kept in clearly marked, private, opt-in spaces so others are not exposed without consent. How does Burnt Oranges approach community care and accountability? We use a harm-reduction, trauma-informed, and restorative approach. Our goal is to address concerns thoughtfully, prioritize safety, and—when appropriate—support accountability as a path toward learning and rebuilding trust, rather than punishment alone. What happens if there is a conflict or concern at an event? Trained teams and event leadership are available to listen, support, and respond. Situations are handled with care, discretion, and a focus on safety. Responses may include mediation, education, restorative processes, or other actions outlined in our Code of Conduct. Who can I talk to if I feel unsafe or experience harm? You can reach out to Rangers, Medics, Event Coordinators, Conduct Committee members, or any event lead. You may also report concerns during or after the event by contacting Board@burntoranges.org. Are volunteers, leads, and theme camps held to the same standards? Yes. Volunteers, leads, board members, staff, and theme camps are all held to the same Code of Conduct. Those in leadership or positions of trust may be held to higher standards due to their responsibilities. Is Burnt Oranges trying to police behavior? No. Our intent is not control, but care. These guidelines exist to protect consent, safety, and trust—so that participation, creativity, and community can flourish.
If you still have questions or need more information, you’re always welcome to reach out. Email Board@burntoranges.org, and someone from our Board will get back to you as soon as possible.
Every community develops its own language over time, little phrases, titles, and bits of shorthand that help people communicate, coordinate, and share culture. If you’re new, some of these words might feel unfamiliar at first. If you’ve been around a while, they may feel like second nature. This glossary is here to help you navigate the language of the event. Inside you’ll find definitions for common roles, departments, and bits of Burner culture you might hear during planning, build, the event itself, and beyond. Whether you’re volunteering for the first time, stepping into a leadership role, or simply curious about how things work behind the scenes, this guide is meant to make the path a little clearer. If you're interested in exploring The Burning Man Project's full Glossary of Terms to learn pieces of the lexicon that don't necessarily always apply to events held by Burnt Oranges, you can check that out here.
10 Principles / 11 Principles A set of guiding values originally articulated by Larry Harvey that shape Burn culture: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leave No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy. Burnt Oranges also recognizes an 11th Principle: Consent, emphasizing enthusiastic, informed, and ongoing agreement between participants. Art Bike A decorated or creatively modified bicycle used to move around the event grounds. Art Car / Mutant Vehicle A motorized vehicle radically transformed into a piece of moving art. These vehicles may transport participants or host performances, and must operate safely within the event environment.
Build Week The days leading up to the event when volunteers arrive early to construct infrastructure, camps, and art installations. Burn A community-driven event inspired by Burn culture that emphasizes participation, art, creativity, and shared experience. Burner A participant in Burn culture or events who embraces the community values and participatory spirit of The Burn.
Camp / Theme Camp A group of participants who collaborate to create an interactive offering for the community, such as performances, workshops, art, food, or social spaces. Civic Responsibility A principle emphasizing that participants and organizers should act responsibly toward one another, the environment, and the broader community, while complying with applicable laws and safety practices. Communal Effort The principle that the community thrives through cooperation, collaboration, and shared labor in creating spaces, art, and experiences. Consent An enthusiastic, informed, and ongoing agreement between participants. Consent culture is central to safety, respect, and personal autonomy within the community.
Decommodification The practice of creating social environments free from advertising, sponsorship, or commercial transactions in order to protect the culture of gifting and participation. Decompression A gathering held after The Burn where participants reconnect and celebrate following the event. The term may also describe the emotional adjustment when returning to everyday life afterward. Default World A colloquial term for everyday life outside of Burn events.
Effigy Burn The ceremonial burning of a central effigy or symbolic structure, often serving as a communal moment of celebration and release.
Gate The entry point to the event where participants check in and transition from the Default World into The Burn. Gift / Gifting Offering something freely without expectation of return. Gifts may include items, food, performances, knowledge, or acts of service. Greeters Volunteers who welcome participants upon arrival and introduce them to the culture, expectations, and principles of the event.
Immediacy The principle that direct, lived experience is one of the most meaningful aspects of Burn culture.
Leave No Trace (LNT) The commitment to remove everything brought to the event and restore the property to its original condition.
MOOP (Matter Out Of Place) Any trash, debris, or misplaced item that does not belong in the natural environment of the property. MOOP Sweep A coordinated effort by participants to collect and remove MOOP during or after the event.
Newbie A participant attending their first Burn. Often affectionately referred to as a “virgin.” No Spectators A cultural norm emphasizing that everyone participates in creating the experience rather than passively observing.
Participant Every person who attends The Burn. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the shared experience. Participation The principle that the culture is created through active involvement. Everyone is invited to help build, create, and play. Placement The team responsible for organizing where camps, art installations, and infrastructure are located on the property. Playa / Burner Name A nickname given within Burn culture, often reflecting personality, experiences, or community identity.
Radical Inclusion Anyone may be part of the community. All participants are welcomed and respected. Radical Self-Expression The freedom to creatively express one’s identity, gifts, and imagination, balanced with respect for others. Radical Self-Reliance Participants are responsible for preparing for their own needs and wellbeing during the event. Ranger A trained volunteer who supports the community through mediation, information, and calm presence during challenges. Rangers are not law enforcement. Alpha Ranger A participant interested in becoming a Ranger who has completed training but doesn't have field experience. Alphas shadow Dirt Rangers to become better acquainted with the role and complete their training. Dirt Ranger An experienced Ranger that has completed Ranger training and has experience in the role as well as mentoring Alpha Rangers. Is qualified to be Khaki. Khaki Ranger An on-duty coordination role within the Ranger team. The Khaki monitors communications and helps coordinate Rangers responding to situations across the event. Regional Burn A community-organized Burn inspired by the same cultural values, held independently by regional communities.
Sound Camp A camp centered around music, DJs, or live performance. Strike The process of dismantling infrastructure, camps, and art after the event and restoring the property.
Temple Burn A silentburn of a memorial structure where participants gather to honor memories, lost friends, loved ones, and meaningful moments from their lives. Throughout the event, people make their way to the Temple to leave notes, photos, letters, and other burnable offerings as acts of remembrance and release. The Temple stands for the entire weekend, holding these shared intentions and memories, and burns as one of the final moments of the event. The burn is observed in silence, creating a shared space for reflection, grief, gratitude, and closure.
Volunteer A participant who contributes time and effort to help create, operate, and sustain The Burn. Because the event is entirely volunteer-run, participants are expected to contribute some of their time to support the community—whether through an organized department, camp contributions, build and strike efforts, or other acts of service. The Burn exists through the collective labor, care, and participation of its volunteers.
