Welcome to Burn in the Forest!

Welcome to Burn in the Forest!

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that the land we are gathered upon is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Sylix and Nlaka’pamux peoples. These lands of so-called British Columbia have been the home of these First Nations since time immemorial.

The river that runs through this beautiful site is called Ntstlatko, which means “cold water.” The river runs through two Nlaka’pamux reservations belonging to the people of nc’tetkwu (the Coldwater Indian Band), before flowing past the town of Merritt and connecting with the Nicola River. The Nlaka’pamux and the Coldwater Indian Band have always had a special connection to the Ntstlatko. As we celebrate together on these lands and along this beautiful river, take a moment to cherish that this place has been intimately connected to Indigenous communities that have lived here for millennia. And then consider what direct actions you can take within your own communities to dismantle colonial oppression and contribute to the empowerment of Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle Island and beyond.

Participation

This event is not a party, rave, or festival in the modern sense of the word. Burn in the Forest, or BitF, is far from a typical #GenericSummerFestival. We’re not about profit or commercialism. We’re run entirely by volunteers.

On top of the 10 guiding Principles that shape burner events, the most significant difference between a “typical” festival and Burning Man Regional events like BitF is community participation.

At most commercial events, you pay your admission and just become a spectator for whatever entertainment the producers have prepared for you. At BitF, all activities, stages, theme camps, workshops, art, and performances  – EVERYTHING – have been created by BitF attendees and offered freely to everyone here to experience.

BitF is a distinctive gathering of individuals that becomes a community focused on participatory artistic expression. We’re so excited for you to join us in co-creating this unique collective of creativity and connection!

Gift your passions

The beautiful tapestry of citizen contributions is what makes BitF special. Participants dedicate their effort and time to the things that they are passionate about. They build them, bring them, and let the others experience their amazing gifts. The BitF experience is the sum of two thousand individuals’ passions, laid out for all to experience.

The most rewarding way to experience BitF is to create something that stokes your passions, and share it with all of us! You can DIY and be your own rockstar, or create lasting connections with other collaborators!

Not sure where to help, or maybe your passion is supporting BitF’s magic behind the scenes?

Visit the Volunteer Hub on site at Centre Camp to find out about what help is still needed during BitF and pitch in to make it happen!

The 10 + 1 Principles of Burn in the Forest

New to Burn in the Forest (BitF) or the Burning Man community?
These 10 + 1 Principles are the foundational roots of this community and participation forward. You’re encouraged to get to know these perspectives.
Tune it to how they currently pepper your days.
Witness how they can influence your life before, during and after BitF!

Read the Principles in detail here: https://whatif.now/about/#principles

Reminders

  • If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it’s easily accessible! If you don’t have one, keep a water-filled bucket at your camp in case! 
  • No open flames – that means no incense, candles, smoking, or propane fire pits.
  • In case of a fire event or other significant emergency, stay calm and head to Ranger HQ in the Field Zone just past the bridge, or as directed by Rangers and/or Production Team members. 
  • All camp structures must be tied down! Wind gusts are unpredictable and unsecured shelters can seriously hurt people. 
  • Speed limit at BitF is 8 km/hr!

Get involved

Want to keep your passion burning after you leave BitF? Head on over to the VOLUNTEER section of the website to learn more about getting involved year-round!

To learn more about the local Burner community and all of the ways to connect after BitF is over, see: https://linktr.ee/vancburners.

©2025 Greater Vancouver Interactive Art Society