Planning a carnival, fair, festival, or other temporary public event in the City of Woodland or the Springlake Fire Protection District? Many temporary events require a Fire Operational Permit to ensure fire and life safety standards are met. Events with tents or canopies, cooking operations, generators, amusement rides, open flames, or large crowds must be reviewed and approved by the Woodland Fire Department before opening to the public. Permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event to allow for plan review, coordination, and any required inspections. Review the information below to learn what qualifies as a temporary event, what documentation is needed, and how to apply for a permit. Ensuring safety protects your guests, staff, and community — and helps your event run smoothly and successfully.

About the Springlake Fire Protection District

The Springlake Fire Protection District (SFPD) provides fire, rescue, and emergency response services for portions of rural Yolo County surrounding the city of Woodland. Its jurisdiction includes both unincorporated areas and contract service zones adjacent to municipal boundaries. The map outlines the exact coverage area and service boundaries - MAP.

Because events held within the Springlake district fall under its authority for fire safety oversight, all temporary events—such as carnivals, fairs, festivals, tented events, or public gatherings—within its boundaries are subject to the same fire permit and operational requirements as those within the City of Woodland. If your event is located inside Springlake’s boundary (as shown on the map), you must submit this permit application and comply with all fire code rules and inspection processes under the jurisdiction of Springlake Fire Protection.

If there’s any uncertainty about whether your event location is within Springlake’s service area, please contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at (530) 661-5857 before submitting your permit application.

What Types of Events Require a Temporary Event Fire Permit

Any temporary event that is open to the public and involves structures, activities, or operations that may impact fire and life safety requires a fire operational permit under California Fire Code §105.5.5  (Carnivals and Fairs). Other fire operational permits may be required depending on the event operations. This includes events held in both the City of Woodland and the Springlake Fire Protection District.

You must submit a Temporary Event Fire Permit Application if your event includes any of the following:

• Carnivals, fairs, festivals, or community celebrations
• Farmers markets, cultural events, or street fairs
• Concerts, outdoor performances, or parades
• Food truck events, cooking demonstrations, or mobile food vendors
• Amusement rides, inflatable structures, or petting zoos
• Temporary tents, canopies, or membrane structures over 400 sq. ft.
• Generators or temporary power distribution
• Open flames, pyrotechnics, or fire performances
• Fireworks or special effects
• Large public gatherings, fundraisers, or school events

If you’re unsure whether your event qualifies, it’s always best to submit the form or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division for guidance. Submitting the form ensures your event is reviewed for fire and life safety compliance before it begins.

When to Submit Your Application

All Temporary Event Fire Permit Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of your event. This allows the Woodland Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division enough time to review your plans, coordinate with other city departments if needed, and schedule any required inspections before the event opens to the public.

Applications submitted with less notice may result in delays, additional conditions, or denial of the permit.

When you submit your application, make sure to include:

• A complete and accurate event description
• Site plan showing layout of tents, vendors, cooking areas, power sources, exits, and fire access roads
• Any required documentation such as tent flame-resistance certificates, vendor lists, or fire extinguisher locations

Once received, a member of the Community Risk Reduction Division will contact you with next steps, any additional requirements, and information about inspection scheduling and permit fees.

Important Disclaimer

Submitting a Temporary Event Fire Permit Application does not replace or satisfy any other permits that may be required for your event. If your event is taking place within the City of Woodland, you may also be required to complete a City of Woodland Special Event Application through the City’s Community Services Department.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary city permits and approvals are obtained in addition to this fire permit. Failure to secure required city permits may result in delays, additional conditions, or cancellation of the event.

For more information about the City of Woodland’s event application process, please contact the City or visit their website before submitting your fire permit request: https://www.cityofwoodland.gov/1079/Special-Events-Committee.

Permit Fees

A Fire Operational Permit is required for all qualifying temporary events, including carnivals, fairs, festivals, and other public gatherings, in accordance with California Fire Code. The fee for a Temporary Event (Carnivals and Fairs) Fire Operational Permit is $261.00.

This fee covers the review of your event plans, coordination with other agencies as needed, and any required fire and life safety inspections prior to and during the event. Additional fees may apply if multiple inspections are required or if significant changes are made to the event after the initial review.

Payment instructions will be provided once your application has been received and reviewed by the Community Risk Reduction Division. Please note that permit fees must be paid before the permit is issued and the event can proceed.

Submit a Temporary Event Fire Permit Application

Ready to request your fire operational permit for a carnival, fair, festival, or other temporary public event? Use the link below to complete the Temporary Event Fire Permit Application online.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following information ready to upload:

• Site plan showing the full event layout (tents, exits, vendor areas, fire access, etc.)
• Vendor information, including any food vendors and cooking operations
• Tent flame-resistance certificates (for tents or canopies over 400 sq. ft. with walls of 700 sq. ft. without walls.)
• Details about any open flames, generators, fuel storage, or amusement rides

Remember: Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before your event. Submitting the form does not guarantee approval — your event plans must first be reviewed by the Community Risk Reduction Division and will require a site inspection prior to the event start time.

Temporary Event Fire Permit Application