Special Events Inspections

What are Special Events?

An event held on public and/or private property outside of the normal and intended use of that property, that has a defined and limited duration, is open to viewing or participation of the general public, or involves a large gathering of people outside of normal operations, and occurs once or only a few times per year. Examples of special events include, but are not limited to: carnivals, festivals, gun shows, circuses, parades, open-air gatherings, film production events, religious tent meetings, outdoor sales events, and athletic events such as 5K run/walks, bicycle races or organized rides, or triathlons, or any other event that requires City or Village approval as determined by the Director of Community Development.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District shall conduct a walk-through inspection prior to the opening of the event as well as periodic inspections throughout the weekend.

1. Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire, heat, flammable or combustible liquids, gas or charcoal, or other approved or unapproved cooking devices shall NOT be permitted inside or located within 20 feet of the tent, canopy, or membrane structures while open to the public unless approved by the fire code official. International Fire Code, Section 2404.7, 2003, 2006, 2009 editions.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District will allow the distance to be reduced to 10 feet of the tent, canopy, or membrane structure as long as good safety practices are being maintained and the use of common sense prevails.

2. Temporary canopies shall not be placed over the cooking appliances and or connected to the edge of the tent structure at any time.
3. LP Gas cylinders shall be located a minimum of 10 feet outside the tent structure, properly secured, and have the safety relief valves pointing away from the tent. Larger tanks will be staked in the ground and chained to the stake. Piping and or hoses shall be routed so they are not stepped on and are not a trip hazard.
4. Cooking equipment shall be kept clear of all combustible materials at all times.
5. A minimum of one 10 pound ABC Fire Extinguisher shall be located in each cooking booth. For booths that will have grease-laden vapors including those with fryers, the appropriate K-type extinguisher is required. Fire extinguishers shall have a current inspection/test tag. Fire Extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they are readily accessible and immediately available for use.

6. The use of extension cords will be closely monitored. Please use the following guidelines.

• Use the proper gauge (size) of the extension cord for the load it will need to handle. The larger the diameter of the cord the better.
• Use the proper length cord.
• Appliances with compressors shall be plugged directly into the outlet provided for each booth if possible.
•  A combination of one extension cord and one power strip can be used as long as the load of the appliances are less than the rating of the power strip or extension cord (whichever is lower).
• Cords shall be placed so they are not stepped on, near a water source, or a trip hazard.

7. All food vendors shall display proper permits from the State, County, and Villages in which they are operating in.
8. Exhibit Booths, curtains, drapes, or Decorative Materials shall be constructed of limited combustible material, or treated with a flame retardant. Flame retardant-treated materials shall be documented and will be verified by the Fire Marshal’s Office. No hay, straw, shavings, or similar combustible materials are permitted within any facility unless they have been treated in ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 701 to make them flame retardant, and a certificate or similar proof is supplied to the MTFPD prior to its placing. Certificates may be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier. Material that is being treated by the user must be done in the presence of an Inspector from the City of McHenry and MTFPD. Combustible trash shall be removed at least once a day during the period the exhibit is occupied.

The exhibit, concert, fair, festival, or trade-in any structure in the MTFPD limits, should first provide detailed plans of the event to be reviewed and approved by the City Of McHenry and or MTFPD Fire Prevention Director.

Notification of an event is also required when

• Conducting an event in which alterations are made to the existing exit configuration, character, or use of the facility.
• When using a liquid or gas-fueled vehicle or equipment for display or competition inside an assembly occupancy.
• Separate approvals are required for use of candles, open flame devices, flammable or combustible liquids or gases.
• Pyrotechnics/Special effects
• Cryogenics
• Any time a material, occupancy load, or operation is introduced into an assembly occupancy that could possibly pose a hazard.
• Haunted Houses

Haunted Houses

The MTFPD requires haunted houses to be inspected and approved prior to operation. Contact the MTFPD, Fire Prevention Office Special Events for inspection requirements

All notifications and pre-plans of planned events will be submitted 30 days prior to the scheduled event date, to the City of McHenry and the MTFPD Fire Prevention Director for approval.

If you are planning a special event within the McHenry Township Fire Protection District please fill out the Fire Prevention Form and contact your local City or Village for further information.