Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
After a weekend of rain and subsequent deep mud on the playa that came with it, the exodus of 72,000 participants from Burning Man 2023 is anticipated to begin Monday at noon. Visitors will be returning to their homes, both locally and in far-reaching locations, using various modes of transportation, including vehicles and planes.
“The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist participants with a safe departure from the Black Rock Desert,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam.
“We understand participants are eager to return home, but safety is our top priority. As participants travel through Washoe County, we ask you to please adhere to all traffic laws and speed limits as you journey on our state’s roads and highways. It’s anticipated that there will be long lines and delays, so please be patient. We also urge visitors to our community to respect our beautiful area by disposing of waste responsibly and using designated locations. Furthermore, our area’s hotels, rentals, airports, and businesses are happy to host you, so please be kind to them as well.”
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office asks Burning Man attendees to exercise caution while traveling through Washoe County and neighboring areas. Please keep the following in mind:
• Be patient as you travel; you will experience long lines and delays as tens of thousands of individuals travel along a two-lane highway to reach their destinations.
• Be sure to rest before driving and only drive when you are fully alert. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and will not be tolerated.
• Ensure your equipment is securely stored on your vehicles — even a small piece of debris can cause an accident or injury, extending travel times.
• Make sure to clear your windows, lights, blinkers, and license plate of mud and obstructions.
• Continue the ‘Leave No Trace’ mentality at our community’s facilities, including hotels, car/RV rentals, bus stations, airport, and more.
• For designated waste locations, visit here.
We ask for the continued patience of our Washoe County residents as the Burning Man festival comes to a close and attendees travel through our communities. Please keep the following in mind:
• Be cautious and patient as area visitors navigate unfamiliar roadways.
• Continue to avoid the Black Rock Desert area to allow for the smooth exit of festival attendees. Civilians attempting to provide support will further hinder first responders and exodus logistics by Burning Man organizers and partners.
The Burning Man Project is providing event updates in the following locations:
• The Wet Playa Survival Guide on the Burning Man website, where the latest official information will be posted.
• 24/7 Burning Man Information Radio (BMIR) 94.5 FM (or listen on iHeartRadio)
• Gate Information Radio Station (GARS) 95.1 FM for 24/7 exodus-related information on site.
• BManTraffic on X (formerly Twitter).
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office remains in close communication with the Burning Man Project, fellow regional law enforcement, and local, state, and federal agencies to ensure attendees stay safe and have access to resources.
