By Rich Larson
As Northfield’s busy fall festival season approaches, Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service Chief Tom Nelson says much of the work that keeps large community events safe happens long before the first visitor arrives.
Speaking this week on KYMN Radio, Nelson discussed the permit process required for large temporary outdoor events such as the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Show, Defeat of Jesse James Days, and Dundas Oktoberfest. Events expected to attract more than 1,000 people must obtain temporary outdoor event permits through the fire department, a requirement established by state fire code.
“The bottom line is it’s safer and we’re preventing things from happening,” Nelson said.
The permitting process includes inspections, emergency planning, and coordination with event organizers. Nelson said the goal is to identify hazards before they become emergencies and ensure organizers have plans in place for weather monitoring, emergency access, crowd evacuation, and fire protection.
For the Rice County Steam & Gas Show, the department conducts inspections of buildings and grounds and helps provide fire extinguishers throughout the site. Similar preparations take place for Defeat of Jesse James Days, where the fire department works with organizers at multiple venues, including the rodeo grounds, entertainment center, and Bridge Square.
One major focus is ensuring visitors can exit quickly in an emergency. Nelson noted that years ago, crowd control measures at the entertainment center created bottlenecks that could have become dangerous if people needed to leave suddenly. Today, emergency exits, lighting, and improved gate access are key parts of the site’s safety plan.
The department also inspects food vendors, food trucks, carnival operations, and tents. Vendors using propane tanks and cooking equipment must meet fire safety standards and obtain permits. Nelson said inspections have become smoother over time as vendors have grown familiar with Northfield’s requirements.
“I don’t find many violations now,” he said. “They know they’re coming to Northfield, they know they need a permit, and they know the regulations.”
Nelson said the permitting process is about more than enforcement. It is also about helping organizers think through issues such as emergency vehicle access, communications, and severe weather response.
“Everything has happened once,” Nelson said of long-running events like Defeat of Jesse James Days. “They know how to get around it or plan for it. The committee does a great job.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
