F-03 Rules for Open Flames, Candles, and Pyrotechnics — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is required before any open flame device, including candles, may be used in a place of assembly in NYC?

Verbal permission from the venue owner
A written permit from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention (Correct answer)
Notification to the fire guard at least one hour before use
A signed waiver from all event attendees

Correct answer: A written permit from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention

The NYC Fire Code requires a written permit from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention before any open flame device, including candles, can be used in a place of assembly. Using open flames without an FDNY permit is prohibited and constitutes a serious fire code violation.

NYC Fire Code Section 307 requires that any open flame device in a place of assembly — including candles, torches, oil lamps, and ceremonial flames — have a prior written permit from the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention. The permit application must describe the type, quantity, and intended use of the open flame devices. The F-03 fire guard must verify that a valid FDNY open flame permit is on site before any candles or open flames are lit. If no permit is on file, the fire guard must prohibit the use of open flames.

Question 2: Under which condition are candles permitted without a formal FDNY open flame permit in a place of assembly?

When candles are enclosed in a non-combustible holder that is stable and prevents tipping (Correct answer)
When the event is a religious ceremony
When candles are used only during the first hour of an event
Candles are always permitted without a permit if they are smaller than 3 inches tall

Correct answer: When candles are enclosed in a non-combustible holder that is stable and prevents tipping

The NYC Fire Code provides a limited exception for candles enclosed in a stable, non-combustible holder that completely encloses the flame and prevents the candle from tipping, such as a votive in a glass holder on a stable surface. Even so, an FDNY permit is generally required; this exception is narrow and venue-specific approvals may vary.

While the NYC Fire Code generally requires an FDNY open flame permit for any candles in a place of assembly, a limited exception exists for candles that are fully enclosed in a non-combustible holder (e.g., a thick glass votive container) and placed on a stable, level surface where they cannot be knocked over. Even under this exception, the fire guard should confirm with management whether a permit has been obtained. Any candle placement that is not clearly within this narrow exception requires a permit. The fire guard must document candle use and permit status in the logbook.

Question 3: What is the FDNY classification for theatrical pyrotechnics used during live performances in places of assembly?

Class A explosives regulated by the ATF only
Proximate pyrotechnics — requiring FDNY approval and a licensed pyrotechnic operator (Correct answer)
Consumer fireworks — which are banned entirely in NYC regardless of use
Emergency flares — classified as emergency equipment and exempt from permits

Correct answer: Proximate pyrotechnics — requiring FDNY approval and a licensed pyrotechnic operator

Theatrical pyrotechnic devices used in close proximity to performers and audiences — known as proximate pyrotechnics — require FDNY approval for each event and must be operated by a licensed pyrotechnic operator. These differ from consumer fireworks, which are banned.

Pyrotechnic devices used on stage during live performances are classified as proximate pyrotechnics under NFPA 1126 and NYC Fire Code. Unlike outdoor fireworks displays, these devices are used at close range to performers and audience members. Each event involving proximate pyrotechnics requires a specific FDNY permit and must be conducted by an FDNY-licensed pyrotechnic operator. The F-03 fire guard must verify that the permit is on site, that the licensed operator is present, and that the venue's fire suppression and detection systems are functional before any pyrotechnic devices are used.

Question 4: If a performer begins to use an open flame device without the required FDNY permit during a live show, what must the F-03 fire guard do?

Wait until the performance ends to address the issue
Allow it if the flame is small and far from the audience
Immediately stop the use of the open flame and notify the fire safety director (Correct answer)
Reduce the house lighting to make the flame less visible

Correct answer: Immediately stop the use of the open flame and notify the fire safety director

Unpermitted use of open flames during a live performance must be stopped immediately. The fire guard must halt the unauthorized activity and notify the fire safety director. Allowing unpermitted open flames endangers occupants and constitutes a serious fire code violation.

An F-03 fire guard has authority and responsibility to stop any unauthorized use of open flames, pyrotechnics, or other fire hazards, even during a live performance. When the fire guard observes a performer using an open flame without an FDNY permit, they must immediately notify the fire safety director and take steps to stop the activity. The performance may need to be paused. This must be documented in the logbook with the time, the nature of the unauthorized activity, who was notified, and the outcome. Performing during a live show does not exempt any person from fire code compliance.

Question 5: What minimum clearance must be maintained between open flame devices and any combustible materials in a place of assembly?

6 inches
12 inches
18 inches (Correct answer)
24 inches

Correct answer: 18 inches

The NYC Fire Code requires that open flame devices be kept at least 18 inches away from any combustible materials, including decorations, drapes, tablecloths, and other furnishings. This clearance reduces the risk that the flame will ignite nearby combustibles.

NYC Fire Code Section 307 establishes that open flame devices must be kept at a minimum horizontal distance of 18 inches from all combustible materials. This includes tablecloths, centerpiece flowers, drapes, paper products, and other flammable décor. The fire guard must verify this clearance when open flames are authorized by permit. Tables set with candles must be arranged so that no combustible material is within 18 inches of the candle flame. If the clearance cannot be maintained, the open flame must be extinguished.

Question 6: Which type of open flame is always prohibited inside a place of assembly in NYC, regardless of any permit?

Candles in enclosed glass holders on stable surfaces
Theatrical fog machines using non-combustible fluid
Sky lanterns and balloon-type open-flame devices designed to be released indoors (Correct answer)
Oil lamps with enclosed reservoirs and enclosed flames

Correct answer: Sky lanterns and balloon-type open-flame devices designed to be released indoors

Sky lanterns and similar balloon-type devices that use an open flame as a heat source and are designed to float or be released are always prohibited inside places of assembly. They are uncontrollable once released and pose an extreme fire hazard in enclosed spaces.

Sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns or flying wish lanterns) use a small open flame to heat air inside a paper or fabric balloon, causing it to rise and float. Once released, these devices are completely uncontrollable and may drift into ceilings, decorations, or exit pathways. They are banned inside all places of assembly in NYC and cannot be permitted by any FDNY open flame permit. F-03 fire guards must immediately prohibit any attempt to use sky lanterns or similar floating flame devices and document the incident in the logbook.

F-03 Rules for Open Flames, Candles, and Pyrotechnics

What is required before any open flame device, including candles, may be used in a place of assembly in NYC?