Burners Head To Black Rock For Burning Man 2020 Regardless of Canceled Event For "Secret Burn"

September 4, 2020 By: Rebecca Brando

Like many events, Burning Man 2020 was canceled due to statewide restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19. While the Burning Man Project opted for a “Virtual Burn” this year, many Burners are headed to Black Rock City for a “secret burn” anyways!

Burners head to Black Rock City for "secret burn" despite canceled Burning Man event.

Thousands of Burners have been reported camping at “the playa” to party despite the cancellation of the Burning Man Project’s in-person event, according to Reno Gazette Journal. BLM officials counted around 20 small camps and one large camp by Thursday (Sept 4.)

“We are not keeping counts of people like we would for events operated under a special recreation permit,” said Heather O’ Hanlon, a BLM spokeswoman.

The annual Burning Man event attracts about 80,000 people to the remote site two hours north of Reno and brings a lot of business to local businesses.

Costume designer Daniel Cheli of the Kozmik Twinz at Burning Man - Photo The Big Magazine

Access to the playa is free, and, without a permitted event, the rules for recreating are less restrictive this year. The BLM is not enforcing social distancing or mask wearing, but officials are encouraging visitors to follow the CDC guidelines to reduce transmission. Other restrictions include prohibited fire burning on the playa, which means the event won't end in the burning of the “man.”

BLM officials have asked campers to bring their own supplies, water, food, and camp to avoid possible community spread. Nevada has 70,319 Covid-19 cases and 1,366 deaths. State and local officials have expressed concerns about the likely spread of the virus as people gather over Labor Day weekend.

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