StRanger FAQs

What’s a Stranger?
Strangers are Fern Burn’s take on Rangers.  We’re volunteers from the community who serve as non-confrontational mediators, problem solvers, information bearers, adults with radios, and sometimes emergency responders (if things have jumped the shark).  We have the same training and functions as Rangers from Black Rock or nearly any sanctioned regional burn, but chose to put our own spin (and IP) on it.
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What do Strangers do at Fern Burn?
Strangers are something fairly new at Fern Burn, and we do a little bit of everything! Strangers can be seen throughout the event — hanging out at Safety HQ, meeting people, working out problems, and enjoying the art.  Strangers also work burn perimeters, help other volunteer departments, and so much more.  We’re still ‘perfecting’ the how and the what we do, and your input/experience/feedback is welcomed!
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Is there a time commitment?
Yes. Training is about 4 hours, and shifts are 6 hours each. As noted above, Strangers are something fairly new at Fern Burn, and we’re still ‘perfecting’ how exactly we do what we do. This means that shifts may be flexible and more of an ad hoc/on call nature instead of a formal 6 hour shift.
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What is the training like?
Stranger training is done in advance of the event, in a mix of in person and virtual formats (depending on interest and number of attendees). Training covers topics ranging from the history of rangering, things Strangers do/do not do, ethical requirements, conflict resolution, and communication, to emergencies and how to respond, radio operations, event policies/procedures, and venue geography.
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What if I can’t make the training for some reason?
Completion of training is a requirement so we’re all on the same page and–more importantly–so we all understand how to handle critical things and respond to emergencies. We completely understand that life can be hectic, so we have several training sessions for you.

If you can’t make one of our training sessions, we accept Ranger training from other burns, including Black Rock ROM and other regional events. We also have a prerecorded backup provided by Loveburn’s Rangers. If you can’t make a Fern Burn Stranger training, email strangers@fernburn.org and we can work something out!
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How are volunteer hours credited?
Strangers receive a 1:1 credit for hours they work–both pre-event and on site at Fern burn. A total of 16 hours (or credits) of Strangering is required to earn a gift ticket for the following year. If you attend required training and work 2 shifts, you’ll have a massively discounted ticket for the following year.
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Do/can I get a free ticket if I want to be a Stranger?
Sorry, we do not offer comp tickets*. This policy is entirely due to the dishonesty of people promising to work, receiving a free ticket the same year, and then not showing up or doing nothing at all. Thank your local DJ and their “entourages” for this.

*A “Comp ticket” is a free ticket for the same year’s event given to someone who promises to do X number of volunteer hours in return for a free ticket.
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How are volunteer hours tracked?
Right now (March 28 2026) Fern Burn does not have an event wide system for tracking or recording hours worked–this is done entirely by hand at this time. It is your responsibility to check in at HQ for your shift and to sign the shift log when you come ON and when you go OFF. If you fail to do this, your hours worked will not be tracked and you will not receive credit for them.
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Why do I have to fill out registration forms?
Simply put: accountability and logistics. Like any event, organization, or default employer, we need to know who’s on our team–what their personal and contact information is, what kind of training or experience they bring, and if they have any special needs or allergies we’ll need to account for. We also need to know certain things to handle the preparation for the event–what size tee you need, where you live so we know if in person or virtual training options are better. We keep your information private 100% of the time–unless you’re headed to the ER or Jail.
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