There is a section below on general coordinator and lead responsibilities. Also, you can check out the Department Descriptions page for more detailed departmental descriptions and find what most excites you.
General Coordinator and Department Lead Expectations:
TL;DR Coordinators/Leads are responsible for all aspects of their department: before, during, and after the event.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Familiarity with the department
Ability to delegate responsibilities to a team of co-coordinators and/or assistant coordinators, as the coordinator sees fit
Prepare all required documentation for the department including a department Afterburn Report, updating and maintaining a department operations document, and department inventory, as well as any department specific documentation such as safety plan, city map, parking guide, how-to guidelines, etc.
Agree to sign and adhere to the Social Media Agreement
Prepare for and participate in event organizational meetings
Develop volunteer schedule and recruit volunteers to fulfill department responsibilities
Manage, document, train, and prepare department volunteers as needed, including before and during the event (per department needs)
Fill vacant volunteer shifts when efforts to fill the shift have failed
Create and manage Departmental Budget and submitting it on time
Acquire budget items and assure their transportation to the event
Maintain budget receipts and submit them to the Finance Liaison/Treasurer in a timely manner for reimbursement
Save the organization money whenever possible
Communicate and collaborate with event leadership, the FirePony board, and other department coordinators/leads as needed
Read and participate in the event email distribution list and organizational communications in a timely manner
Use online tools and resources such as email, mail-lists, Google Docs and calendars, Zoom, and Slack to communicate and manage tasks for the event
Be onsite pre-event and post-event to set up and break down your department, as needed per department. Basic infrastructure is provided by the Department of Public Work (DPW)
Prepare and submit an After-Burn report for your department within the timeframe given
Coordinators attending the event must provide proof of COVID vaccination as required by all attendees
Note: Community members that have been removed from a prior volunteer position or have been banned from attending any FirePony event at any time are not eligible to participate as a Coordinator or Department Lead
FirePony Creative Society:
R.I.D.E. FirePony – FirePony is committed to upholding the principle of Radical Inclusion by increasing Diversity and promoting Equity in our leadership and at our events, and rooting out residual racism in our organization. We invite community members (that’s YOU!) to join us in making that happen. Enter you interest using THIS FORM
Center Camp is returning to PDF. It’s just like at the big burn, but smaller… and completely different.
Center Camp can be reserved for events in half hour blocks up to 2 hours.
Keep it family friendly. Events should be open to all burners
No serving of alcohol. But we’re not going to ask what’s in your mug
No fire. That includes fire pits and spinning.
Leave no trace. If you MOOP, you may be banned from hosting at Center Camp in the future.
Any conflicts or questions, go to information booth and they will sort it out or contact someone who can.
Center Camp FAQ
Is it first come first serve?
Kind of, but you have to sign up to reserve the space.
Where do I reserve Center Camp?
The online signup is linked at the bottom of the page, or
What kind of events can I host there?
Anything that draws a crowd. Music performances, Improv, Dance Party, Karaoke, Art demonstrations, Poetry Slam, Host a meal. Have a giant game of Duck Duck Goose. Get creative. I’m sure you’ll think of something original.
Can I have a fire there?
No. We are not providing a fire pit and ask that you do not bring one either.
Is there power?
Yes! There will be a generator available with 1500 watt service.
How big is it?
That’s a rather personal question
I mean the camp size
That makes more sense. It’s an 18 by 30 foot canopy like the other PDF structures.
Does the event have to stay inside the canopy?
Of course not. That’s just there for your comfort and convenience.
What else you got for me?
Two large tables and a bunch of chairs.
Can I rearrange them?
Any way you want
Will someone clean up after me when my event is over?
You must be new here. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Can I hang out with my friends there even if I didn’t reserve it?
Absolutely. Impromptu events are welcomed and encouraged. Just be aware of the schedule and prepared to vacate when the next scheduled host arrives. Of course you’ll get more buzz if you publish in the What Where When ahead of time.
Oh…we can do that?
Duh! I mean…. absolutely!
What if I have questions about Center Camp during PDF?
Go to the information tent next to Participation Station and they will have the answers.
How can you have a FAQ when this is brand new and no one has actually had a chance to ask these questions? Doesn’t the F stand for Frequently?!
This program is for Black, Brown, Indigenous, Native American, Latina/e/o/x, Chicanx, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, Asian, Pacific Islander individuals.
Learn more about RIDE Tickets and apply thru the form below.
2026 RIDE Ticket application deadline: Sunday, February 15th, 2026 CLOSED
Ticket Aid
To help eliminate obstacles to participation in our community, reduced price tickets are offered every year.
If a full price ticket is outside your means, you can apply for Ticket Aid to receive one ticket at a 50% discount.
2026 Ticket Aid application deadline: 9pm on Sunday, February 15th, 2026 CLOSED
Personal information about applicants is kept confidential and only shared with Firepony Creative Society Board of Directors members
If your ticket aid application is approved, you will be sent an email confirming your discount for one adult ticket with a coupon code, which can be used during any round of ticket sales.
Confirm or create your ticket account prior to ticket sale events. You will need to be logged in before entering the queue.
Due to Ticket demand, all participants that are in queue at the time of ticket sale opening will be randomized and assigned the order in which the tickets are purchased so all participants have equal opportunity to obtain tickets. The fastest computer does not win. Don’t be late!
Tickets will not be sold or transferred by volunteers at the gate. All tickets must be transferred with waivers signed before admission will be granted.
Buying Group Tickets:
Purchasers in the Ticket Sale may buy up to 4 adult tickets per sale.
Purchasers will be prompted to complete a waiver that applies to all tickets until extra tickets are transferred and claimed by other adults. See waiver information below.
Purchasers who buy more than one ticket will need to transfer all tickets to the Peacock account of the participant using the ticket so that they can sign the waiver (except minors, whose tickets should remain on their parent/guardian’s Peacock account).
Ticket Transfers must be completed before admission will be granted.
Transferring Tickets
Reminder: DO NOT resell tickets for more than the price you paid for them! Any tickets found to be resold for more than the $90 purchase price will be void and reseller may be publicly shamed.
Gifting & Transferring of tickets must take place before tickets can be used for admission.
Transferees must have a Peacock account to receive the transferred ticket and sign the waiver.
Confirm correct spelling of email that a ticket will be transferred to, or it will be transferred to the incorrectly spelled account.
IMPORTANT – Do NOT transfer tickets to minors. Tickets for minors should stay on the account of their parent/guardian so that they can sign a minor waiver.
Waivers
Note: All adult participants are required to sign the online PDF waiver form prior to the event
The ticketing system will prompt you to sign the waiver during the purchase process and when claiming a transferred ticket.
This waiver is a legally binding document and must reflect accurate details about the adult participant including legal first and last name and address as reflected on your ID. A valid ID consists of:
A valid photo driver’s license issued by the PA Department of Transportation or any other state
A valid photo identification card issued by the PA Department of Transportation or any other state
A valid Armed Forces ID card containing the holder’s photograph
A valid passport, passport card or travel visa containing the holder’s photograph
Upon entry at the gate, participants are required to show a valid legal ID matching the name and ID number on the signed waiver.
No copies or other reproductions will be accepted at the gate; only a valid legal ID matching a signed waiver are accepted.
PDF department coordinators, assistant coordinators, coordinators-in-training, etc.
members of the Board of Directors of FirePony Creative Society
people to fill key skilled volunteer roles by arrangement with department coordinators
Participants with reserved tickets will have access to a Reserve Tickets sale after Round 1.
Reserve ticket holders will receive an email with instructions for purchase.
All reserve tickets not purchased by the end of reserve sales are forfeited and added to the pool of tickets available for purchase in Round 2 of open sales.
Tickets for Minors
All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
New for 2026: Children 12 and younger require a $15 “Minor Ticket” be added to their parent/guardian’s Peacock account
Minors ages 13 – 17 require a standard adult ticket, which stays on their parent/guardian’s Peacock account
Minors are defined as being under 18 at the time they come through the gate.
Participants under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to sign a minor waiver in Peacock for each individual
Playa Del Fuego’s Volunteer Ticket Reserve Program (VTRP) provides One (1) Reserved Ticket to next year’s event for 6+ hours of volunteer shifts.
Reserved Tickets are held in reserve for purchase, and are not free/complimentary/gratis/etc.
New 2025 Volunteer Hour Logging Procedure
Volunteers log their own completed shifts at Participation Station by the end of the event in our computerized volunteer hour tracking system.
For shifts that end after Participation Station is Closed (Sunday evening or Monday), volunteers should confirm their completed shift hours by emailing them to participation@playadelfuego.org by July 1st, 2025.
Participants who have earned a 2026 reserve ticket will be notified by email in advance of the 2026 ticket sales.
Volunteers should use the same email address for Peacock (our ticketing platform) as for volunteer signups and tracking whenever possible to avoid confusion during reserve ticket assignment.
A Mutant Vehicle is a vehicle that has been radically and safely modified, which exhibits motorized locomotion. It may be built from scratch, or be a mutated form of a stock vehicle that shows little or no resemblance to its original design. Think whimsical and surreal!
A Mutant Vehicle is not a private mode of transportation but rather a vehicle that the community has the opportunity to visit and/or ride in during the event.
Photo by Jeffrey Stoltzfus Mutant Vehicle by Killadelphia Experiment
If you would like to bring a Mutant Vehicle, we will work with you to see if we can make it possible. A lot will depend on the details of the vehicle you wish to bring. Please note that our roads are unpaved, packed earth paths, with ruts, hills, rocks, and other hazards that may not be suited for all wheeled conveyances.
2026 Mutant Vehicle application deadline: Friday, April 24th
Do I need to Pre-Register my Art Car/Mutant Vehicle?
YES!! All non-official vehicles driven during the event must be officially approved and licensed by the PDF DMV. If the vehicle has flame effects, it must also be inspected by the fire safety team. Only vehicles licensed or allowed to drive at PDF may be in operation on-site.
How to Pre-Register an Art Car/Mutant Vehicle
First, read and understand all rules and regulations below that will be required to operate your Mutant vehicle at PDF.
Second, agree to adhere to PDF vehicle/driving protocols. PDF has a few simple driving guidelines. If you violate these community guidelines, you’ll lose the privilege of driving your Mutant Vehicle at PDF. In addition, you and your vehicle may also be removed from the event, and you can be fined by law enforcement. Furthermore, owners that cannot follow our simple rules run the risk of not being licensed in subsequent years. At the event, you will be asked to sign off that you have read and understand and will abide by the driving protocols.
Third, please email us the following information:
Describe the intent with which you are creating this vehicle, and what you wish to share with the community as a result of bringing your vehicle to PDF.
Provide picture(s) of your Mutant Vehicle or, if your vehicle is not yet to the point where a picture will clearly show what you are bringing to PDF, a sketch of your vehicle will suffice.
Describe the safety considerations you are implementing.
Provide information about any sound system you may have on the vehicle.
Provide information on any flame effects you may have on the vehicle
Once you have submitted the information, the DMV and the Fire and Safety Team will review your submission form and give you feedback and ask any questions if needed about your design.
Please note: Pre-Registration does not guarantee a Mutant Vehicle license, as this is a two-step process. Submitting this application means that, if granted a Mutant Vehicle license, you agree to abide by all of the driving rules and community guidelines in effect at PDF. Please also see the waiver and release of liability that you signed when you purchased your ticket.
To drive at the event, you must first get your event license.
At the event, for those who have pre-registered and received approval, you will receive your Mutant Vehicle license only after it meets all required environmental and safety conditions for the event.
A photocopy of a valid driver’s license will also be required for the inspection portion of licensing.
You will be required to sign a PDF Mutant Vehicle Agreement at the time of Licensing.
Mutant vehicles that incorporate flame effects will also need to be inspected by the Safety Team after the DMV has approved your vehicle to ensure you’ve followed all the requirements for safely constructing and operating the Flame Effects. Failure to pass this inspection will result in you not being allowed to operate the Flame Effect on your vehicle. (Here’s a link to the Flame Effect Guidelines)
We will give you a license plate as part of the inspection – please have a place on the back of your mutant vehicle that can be used to mount the license. It will need to be visible to people behind the vehicle – please make the Rangers’ jobs easier so they can verify that you’re okay to drive at the event.
Criteria for licensing a Mutant Vehicle
Level of Mutation: Mutate your vehicle to the point that it is not recognizable as a street vehicle. A radically mutated vehicle will not resemble or represent a car, truck, golf cart or any other readily identifiable street vehicle. Is the vehicle radically mutated or is the exterior a temporary decoration that required little or no actual mutation of the base vehicle?
Interactivity: Provide an interactive experience for participants of PDF. Interactivity is defined as an opportunity for any PDF Citizen to participate in some activity offered by your vehicle. The theme and/or size of the vehicle is what’s considered here. Do you entertain a crowd? Have plenty of room for riders? Provide a service to the community via your vehicle? Include an interactive element?
Safety: Depending on the size and style of your vehicle, some or all of the following may apply: The vehicle must be able to maintain a steady speed of 5 MPH (the speed limit at PDF) or less. Brakes must be in good working order. The vehicle should have sturdy side railings and stair railings. There should be no sharp or protruding objects. A fire extinguisher is highly recommended. Keeping a first aid kit on-board is just plain smart. The vehicle should also have a safe access area and procedures for loading and unloading passengers. The owner/operator should strongly consider keeping a first aid kit on board.
Fire: Review these Guidelines for Flame Effects for your Mutant Vehicle. If you have flame effects, you will be required to have an additional flame effect inspection to use these effects on the vehicle.
Lighting: Basic requirements must be met: The rear, front AND sides must be lit. All vehicle extremities must be lit. Any trailer hitch, other protuberance, or dangerous area of the vehicle must be lit. Anywhere someone would walk, step, or climb on your vehicle should be lit, especially stairs and ladders.
Sound: Sound on MVs is a big responsibility. Please know the PDF Sound Policy, and be respectful of others around you.
NOTE: Approval does not carry over from year to year. A car must be pre-approved, inspected, and licensed every year.
Mutant Vehicle Driving Protocols
Abide by all applicable federal and state laws.
Absolutely no driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
NO OPEN CONTAINERS within reach of driver.
You must avoid driving across grass or non-road areas. You will be provided with a map prior to the event which will show the roads you may drive on.
Drive at a speed of 5 mph or less (less if in hazardous situations such as tight crowds)
Give the right of way to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency services vehicles
Stop immediately upon being hailed by any PDF Ranger, First Aid or Safety Volunteer.
No driving on roads if DPW or Rangers closes them for inclement weather or for any other safety reason.
Your Mutant Vehicle must have a clear field of vision while in operation, including rear and side mirrors
Operator must have ground guides (walkers) if the vehicle is large, has a limited field of vision, or is dangerous to pedestrians
Have a safe access area for loading and unloading passengers. Loading and unloading of passengers may only take place when the vehicle is fully stopped.
Obey sound policies
No fireworks or pyrotechnics are permitted on art cars!
Vehicles must not mimic any type of emergency service or law enforcement vehicle.
Brakes must be in good working order and be able to stop vehicle while at top speed.
Vehicle may not have sharp, protruding objects that might cause injury.
Exhaust pipes near riders or pedestrians must be shielded.
When applicable, the vehicle should have sturdy side and stair railings.
Vehicle must have projected light in order to see in front of the vehicle, in dark places, and for night driving.
For vehicles driving at night, basic lighting requirements must be met. Rear, front, and sides must be lit. All vehicle extremities must be lit. Anywhere someone would walk, step, or climb on the vehicle must be illuminated (ie: stairs and ladders).
A fire extinguisher is highly recommended and required if vehicle has flame effects.
Violation of any of the above rules may ultimately result in loss of driving privileges at PDF. Severe or repeat violations will result in removal from the event, and possible citation from law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, owners or drivers that cannot follow these rules run the risk of not being admitted into future events and/or not being granted a license again.
FAQS
What is NOT an Art Car/Mutant Vehicle?
A vehicle that has NOT been radically mutated is not an Art Car/Mutant Vehicle.
Street vehicles with minimal changes and temporary decorations are not Mutant Vehicles. For example, a vehicle that has crepe paper and some flowers attached to it is not considered mutated.
Lowriders, classic cars, monster trucks, dune buggies and hot rods are not Mutant Vehicles. If you bring these types of vehicles, they must remain in a designated parking area like any other non-mutated vehicle.
A vehicle that has been stripped down to the frame and engine is not a mutant vehicle.
The DMV has the final say in these matters.
Can you drive Other Vehicles on Playa?
Personal transportation vehicles like eBikes, eWheels, and OneWheels, Self-balancing bi-wheel (e.g., Segways) are allowed. We expect the operators of these vehicles to maintain awareness of ground conditions, as many areas within the grounds of PdF are not suitable for such vehicle usage.
Larger stand-up scooters, fat tire scooters, gas-powered bicycles, powered quadricycles, ATVS, and street vehicles such as cars, mopeds, and motorcycles are not allowed for use at Playa del Fuego.
Playa del Fuego has limited space for RVs and other camping vehicles. In RV town, there are no hookups available, this is strictly off-grid boondocking.
Vehicles can also be allowed in placed Theme Camps, but not in Open Camping areas.
If you want to bring your RV or other vehicle to camp in, you must have a Onsite Parking Pass. To get a pass, you first need to fill out the application.
2026 RV Onsite Parking Application deadline: Friday, April 17th
Submit your artwork for the 2025 PDF Swag Button design!
We have many ways that we try to express to our volunteers how much we appreciate you, but by far the sketchiest is the Volunteer Swag Button tradition! These adorable little buttons are a gift volunteers can pick up at Participation Station.
If there are more than a couple submissions, the winning art will be determined with a poll.
P.S. Don’t forget you can add secret rim text for a little extra spice!
REgisster your Theme Camp’s name, description, and optional image in Dust. Any camp registered in Dust will be included in the What Where When guide.
Fill out the form (link emailed after registration in Dust) to request Theme Camp Placement before the deadline.
Theme camps requesting placement will be notified of placement when the City Map is released.
What is a Theme Camp?
Anyone can create a Theme Camp!
A Theme Camp is an INTERACTIVE place that provides a public space. Interactivity comes in many forms! Some examples include:
displaying art
providing a chill space
teaching a skill
playing games
showing off your talent
preparing food/beverages
creating a dance place
hosting a talk
…the possibilities are limitless.
Theme Camps come in all sizes big and small.
Everyone is encouraged to gather your buddies and create whatever it is you have to offer!
What is a Sound Camp?
A Sound Camp is a Theme Camp with amplified sound over 100 watts that has agreed to abide by the Sound Policy.
Sound Camps must request placement and amplified sound separately (2 forms)! The applications will be reviewed and either approved for daytime sound, approved for 24-hour sound, or denied via email shortly after the application deadline.
Sound Camps must fill out the Sound Application in addition to the Theme Camp Placement Application.
The Sound Applications will be reviewed and either approved for daytime sound, approved for 24-hour sound, or denied, with notification via email shortly after the application deadline.
Are all Theme Camps required to “Request Placement”?
Requesting placement is not required for a Theme Camp, but without getting placed you won’t be on the map.
Must you request placement for your theme camp? It depends. If your camp needs/wants certain privileges, you can only get them by requesting placement. For example, a camp MUST request placement if:
they want to have amplified or other sound over 100 watts
their camp includes onsite vehicles
they want to be located around the Burn field/Center Camp
they want to appear on the PDF Map
If, on the other hand, you want to place your theme camp in open camping, and be responsible for securing your own space during setup, you do not need to request placement. Just email cityplanning@playadelfuego.org to have your camp’s name and description listed in the What Where When guide.
Are all submitted camp placement requests approved?
Pretty much. Unless we reach out to you with questions on your application and you don’t reply, your camp will be placed. That is why it’s incredibly important for you to notify us ASAP if your camp’s plans change after you’ve submitted a placement request.
Expect an email with a Welcome Letter and map link soon after applications close.
Are all submitted sound requests approved?
No, this is at the discretion of City Planning based on your application and other factors. Camps can be approved for 24-hour sound, daytime sound only, or a specific date/time, or they can be denied amplified sound altogether.
Can Theme Camps park an RV or other vehicle inside their camp space?
Theme Camps can park vehicles in their space as long as they are parked inside the boundaries of the camp for the duration of the event, not blocking any roads, and included in the Theme Camp’s application. An Onsite Vehicle application must be filled out for each vehicle.
