Chapter 1.3 - Blaze Basics
Setting Up Your Camp
When you set up your campsite, be mindful of wind, rain and the general ground conditions.
Wind usually blows in strongly from the open lake area across the whole site.
If your tent is in a ditch and it rains, it will become a pond.
Look out for rocky ground that resists tent pegs.
We’ve had some big storms during the burns. Use all the guy ropes on your tent, and then some.
Build a moat and use strong tent pegs.
Also, keep your guy ropes clear of roadways and illuminate them if possible.
Vehicle Parking in Camp Areas
There have been several incidents involving vehicles running over tents at campgrounds and festivals. Most noteworthy is an injured person at Falls Festival in 2019 and a fatality at a NSW camping ground in 2018.
We recommend you take some time to think about your campsite to ensure you have a safe plan for vehicle parking.
Vehicles should be parked with the hand brake on and in gear.
Any vehicles that are parked on a slope or incline should be parked across the slope where possible (not facing up or down the slope) and have the wheels chocked.
You should not have tents in front of, or behind vehicles if it can be avoided. Use wheel chocks to be safe if it is the only option.
Be aware of any campers who are leaving the event early to ensure they have a safe pathway to exit your area.
Use spotters if required to guide vehicles safely in camping areas.
Light Up At Night
Jilakin Rock City is dark at night and it’s very easy to run into people or things you can’t see. Light yourself, your belongings, your art, and your bike as well. Consider a good LED headlamp, LED blinky lights, or EL wire. Glow sticks or bracelets don’t cut it and easily become MOOP. Our city comes to life after dark. Creatively lighting up is a great way to participate by adding to the festive, effervescent, and carnivalesque atmosphere. Don’t become the reason that an Art Car driver asks their passengers at night “Hey, was that a speed bump or a Darkwad?”
Security
Secure your valuables when away from camp, especially on burn night. Consider locking valuables in your car. Take pictures of your valuables, record serial numbers, and report them missing immediately if stolen; police can’t easily investigate otherwise. Introduce yourself to your neighbours and local Jilakin Rock Rangers.
In order to ensure the safety of our community, there will be security personnel monitoring the grounds and boundaries throughout the event. If you require the security team’s services, ask for assistance from a Ranger.