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1. Tents, Canopies or Membrane Structures. For events located in the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s jurisdiction the following requirements apply: [ ] 1.1 Permits when required. 1.1.1 Tent or Membrane Structures - A permit must first be obtained before erecting or using a tent or membrane structure having an area in excess of 200 square feet. 1.1.2 Canopy - A permit must first be obtained before erecting or using a canopy in excess of 400 square feet. 1.1.3 If a Fire Code permit is required relating to tent or canopy construction, application shall be submitted to the Catawba County Permit Center located in the Catawba County Government Center. [ ] 1.2 Stability. Provide documentation to the Building Services Department that the structural stability of tents, canopies and their appurtenances will be adequately roped, braced and anchored to withstand the elements of wind, weather and prevent against collapse. [ ] 1.3 Tent & Canopy Fabric. Fabric must be flame resistant and a certificate executed by an approved testing laboratory verifying one of the following: 1.3.1 Fabric is composed of flame resistance material. 1.3.2 Fabric has been treated with a flame retardant in an approved manner and meets the requirements for flame resistance in accordance with NFPA 701 and that the flame resistance is effective for the period specified by the permit. [ ] 1.4 Labeling. Tents & canopies shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the identification of the size and fabric or material type. Provide an affidavit or affirmation that attests to the following: 1.4.1 Date the fabric was last treated with flame-resistant solution. 1.4.2 Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment. 1.4.3 Name of person or firm treating the material. 1.4.4 Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested. [ ] 1.5 Cooking Tents. 1.5.1 Tents where cooking is performed shall be separated from other tents, canopies, and membrane structures by a minimum of 20 feet regardless of permit requirements. 1.5.2 Outdoor cooking that produce sparks or grease-laden vapors shall not be permitted within 20 feet from a tent, canopy, or membrane structure. 1.5.3 Public is not allowed within a tent, canopy, or membrane structure during cooking operations unless approved by code enforcement official. 1.5.4 All approved cooking tents shall provide a minimum of one Class K Fire extinguisher for every 50 feet of travel distance. The extinguisher shall be fully charged.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers - including hunters and campers - never to burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, or tents. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no odor, cannot be seen, and can kill you. Consumers may not realize that burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide and that it will build up to a dangerous level. Opening a window or using a fan will not assure that carbon monoxide will be reduced to safe levels.

Each year, approximately 25 people die and hundreds more suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning when they burn charcoal in enclosed areas such as their homes, in campers or vans, or in tents. Some of the victims die from carbon monoxide poisoning after they burn charcoal in a bedroom or living room for heat or cooking. Some are campers who burn charcoal inside a tent or camper to keep warm. Others are hunters who burn charcoal inside their trucks, cars, or vans. Those who do not die can suffer headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, or collapse.

CPSC warns consumers: Never use charcoal to cook or provide heat inside enclosed areas such as tents, campers, vans, cars, trucks, homes, garages, or mobile homes because the carbon monoxide can kill you.