Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Burning Man & the Regional Network 

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.

Afterburn

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.

Preheat

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.

Participation & Community

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.

Values, Conduct, Consent & Accountability 

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.