Outdoor Smudging

Outdoor smudging can be practiced anywhere on campus, as long as it takes place 15 metres away from open windows, doors and building air intake units. During the ceremony, the event organizer must ensure that no burning materials are left unattended and that all burning materials are extinguished immediately after the conclusion of the smudging ceremony. When smudging outdoors, please observe fire safety practices around dry grass and forested areas; smudging should take place in an open space.  

Upon arriving at an outdoor space, take note of those around you. If smudging is taking place outdoors in a shared seating area, give advance notice to others and provide them with the opportunity to move to another location. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to the smoke created during ceremonies. Whenever possible, please communicate openly with those sharing the space that a smudge will be taking place.  

Smudging outdoors doesn’t require any permit or permission but should be respectfully done, being mindful of other community members.  

If an outdoor ceremony will have a ceremonial fire, a permit is required from Waterloo Fire Rescue. Please contact the Safety Office (safety@uwaterloo.ca) to arrange for a permit.  

While performing outdoor smudging, event organizers are required to know the location of: 

• Fire extinguisher 

• The nearest fire alarm pull stations 

• Emergency exits and alternate exit routes 

• Nearby combustible materials 

Fire safety requirements 

• Do not leave burning material unattended 

• Extinguish the burning plant material after the conclusion of the smudging ceremony 

• Keep any embers in a heat proof container until cold to the touch before discarding 

In the event of a fire, please refer to the Safety Office fire safety website.