News

February 21, 2025 | From New Orleans Fire Department

Mardi Gras Parade Route and Fire Safety Tips from the NOFD

With Carnival Season underway, the New Orleans Fire Department would like to wish all residents and visitors a “Safe and Happy Mardi Gras” as parades
are set to roll in the City of New Orleans starting Friday, February 21, 2025. The NOFD would like to share this important safety message leading up to the festive day, which is Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Below are tips to keep in mind as everyone is out enjoying the parades:
The New Orleans Fire Department advises everyone against parking in
intersections or blocking fire hydrants.
Do not obstruct fire hydrants in any manner.
Do not park your vehicle at an intersection or in the street, even if the parade has that street blocked.
Costumes worn by Mardi Gras float riders and parade participants should be made
of flame-retardant materials. All float riders must wear a safety harness.
Caution is advised around flambeaus.
Parade viewers should use caution when using barbecue pits and open flame
cooking devices near large crowds.
Uncovered barbecue pits or open flames may not be placed within ten
(10) feet of any combustible materials. Covered pits must be kept at least two (2)
feet away from any combustible walls or window openings.
Grills/portable BBQ pits should be placed on private property and not on
the neutral ground or near sidewalks.
Do not put hot coals in public litter cans or on the neutral ground. They are
a fire hazard.
Do not leave grills on the neutral ground or along curbs and sidewalks
overnight. Anything left will be disposed of.
Open flames are prohibited. Fire pits are not allowed on City property
along the parade route.
Properly discard any hot ashes, cinders or smoldering coals.
Do not set up a BBQ pit or similar equipment in ANY intersection.
Be responsible when smoking. Make sure all cigarette butts are completely out
before you discard them.
Remember to double-check all cooking and heating devices before leaving home to
make sure they have been turned off.
Always ensure smoking materials are properly extinguished and discarded in
approved receptacles.
Discharging fireworks is illegal.
Ladders
All ladders must be structurally sound, no taller than six (6) feet and freestanding.
Ladders must be placed at least six (6) feet back from the street curb.
Do not fasten ladders together.
Do not leave ladders on the neutral ground or along curbs and sidewalks
overnight. Anything left will be disposed of.
Do not carry adults or children on your shoulders.
Do not bring glass items.
It is prohibited to use ropes or other similar items to create a barricade or otherwise
obstruct passage along public property, unless otherwise specifically authorized.
Heed the barriers between tandem floats.
Gas or diesel generators are always prohibited along the parade route.
Drivers should be prepared to move out of the way of emergency vehicles.
As always, pull as far as possible to the right of the roadway when an
emergency vehicle is attempting to pass. Come to a complete stop when it is
safe to do so.
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