Nashville Fire Marshal Reminds You to Plan Fall Festivals Safely

Many neighborhoods, organizations and communities are gearing up for Fall Festivals and other gatherings as the weather cools down and we usher in fall.

Remember these things when planning an event.

Pyrotechnic & Smoke/Fog Machine Requirements

These rules apply to all indoor and outdoor pyrotechnic events in Metro Nashville-Davidson County.

Required Permits

• NFD Operational Permit: Fire Department Pyro and Flame Effect Permit.
• NFD Operational Permit: Special Event / Fire Watch Permit.
• Tennessee State Fire Marshal Pyro Permit.
• All Nashville Fire Department permits can be requested via epermits.nashville.gov.

Special Considerations

• Schedule a pyro inspection before the event.
• Fire alarm systems may need to be put on test; fire watch is required during this period.
• Ensure emergency exits are not obstructed by pyro effects.
• Certified fire extinguishers must be present.

Application Requirements

Copies of:

• TN Dept. of Commerce & Insurance Pyro Permit Application and licenses.
• Product list and safety checklist.
• Certificate of liability insurance.
• Diagram of event area including product and extinguisher placement.
• U.S. DOJ Federal Explosives License/Permit.

Tent / Canopy / Membrane Structure Requirements

These rules apply to tents, canopies, and membrane structures within Metro Nashville-Davidson County.

Required Permits

• NFD Operational Permit: Fire Department Tent Permit
• Required for canopies 400+ sq ft, tents 200+ sq ft, and air-supported membrane structures 200+ sq ft.
• No permit is needed for standalone 10x10 tents spaced more than 10 ft from others.

Special Considerations

• Rental companies often apply for permits; ensure you have the approved permit before the event.
• All decorations must have flame spread certificates.
• No smoking or open flames inside the structure.
• LP gas containers and power sources must be at least 5 ft away and located outside the structure.
• Internal combustion sources must be enclosed or fenced.
• Apply for permits at least 3 weeks before the event.

Application Requirements

Copies of:

• Flame spread certificate.
• Site map with layout.
• Detailed interior diagram marking extinguishers and egress points.

Mobile Food Unit Requirements

These rules apply to any concession trailer or food truck preparing, cooking, or selling food in Metro Nashville-Davidson County.

Required Permits

• NFD Operational Permit for mobile food units.
• State Fire Marshal Mobile Food Unit permit; renewed annually.
• LP-Gas permit may be required depending on installation.
• Keep all permits and service tags on board.

Set-Up, Spacing & Safety

• Maintain 10 ft spacing from buildings and other units.
• Do not block fire lanes, exits, or hydrants.
• Keep combustibles 10 ft from LP-gas cylinders.
• Close cylinder valves when not in use and perform leak tests after changes.
• Tent/canopy permits required when used at events.
• Train staff on hood pulls, Class K extinguisher use, and emergency plans.

Required Equipment on Board

• Class K extinguisher for grease fires.
• 2A:40BC extinguisher, mounted and accessible.
• Type I hood with automatic suppression; semiannual service required.
• LP-Gas cylinders secured upright and properly ventilated.
• Safe generator exhaust routing, proper grounding/bonding, and safe fuel storage.