Fire Policies for Special Events

Overview

The Fire Department makes policies concerning the use of propane and pyrotechnics at special events, and determines whether or not City fire and/or medical equipment and personnel will be on site at an event.

Propane for an Event

A permit through the Fire Marshal's office is required for events that will need to use propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The office needs at least one week's notice prior to the event.

Fee

$25.00 non-refundable application fee, plus $50.00 per permit per booth, as determined on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Marshal's office. 

Pyrotechnics Display/Fireworks

Only a pyrotechnician holding both a City license and a State license, working for a company that holds a current Certificate of Registration from the City and State, may apply to the Fire Department for a permit to present a fireworks display at a special event.  

The pyrotechnician should contact the Department at least one month ahead of the scheduled event. The permit application approval process is extensive to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Fee

$25.00 non-refundable application fee, plus $30.00 transportation fee for the first vehicle and $15.00 for each additional vehicle.

Emergency Equipment and Medical Services

The City of St. Louis currently provides fire and emergency medical services through the 9-1-1 system. Athletic events like runs, walks, and bike rides, as well as events with more than 5,000 attendees, are required to have emergency medical equipment and services on site. The St. Louis Fire Department makes the determination whether or not City fire and/or medical equipment and personnel will be on site at an event.

Factors in that determination include if it is a City-sponsored event, if the attendance at the event is so large that the 9-1-1 system would not be able to provide normal services, etc. While the City of St. Louis does not endorse any specific company, there are multiple private EMS providers in the City.