Lakes Letter February 2, 2026
Topics: Temple Submissions Open| Logo Submissions Open| Facebook Decision Pause| 2025 Financial Reports Are In| Farewell to TikTok | Changes to Volunteeripate URL
Reminders:
Public Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7 pm EST please email board@lakesoffire.org if you have issues with the meeting link
Temple Submissions: Close March 15, 2026 at 11:59 CST
Logo Submissions: Close Feb 28, 2026 11:59 pm EST
Flame Effects: Form opening around March 1st. Stay tuned.
Facebook Decision will be announced in a special Lakes Letter coming soon
Open Call Out for 2026 Temple
Since our return to Lucky Lake in 2022, Lakes of Fire has been proud to host a Temple. For many, the Temple is the spiritual center of the Burning Man experience: a place to seek solace and which holds sacred space. A sanctuary for all, Temple stands in contrast to the revelrous and sometimes cacophonous atmosphere of the burn. Allowing for moments of quiet reflection where we can process grief, honor those we’ve lost, witness the humanity of our fellow denizens, or simply allow ourselves to release and accept that which is. The Temple is there to provide what each participant needs. To experience Temple is to engage with something both uniquely individual and comfortably communal. Temple opens a blank slate and closes covered with offerings of community: photos, inscriptions, mementos. The catharsis of Temple is concluded as it burns in silence early Sunday morning.
We’re looking for the right souls to step in and build this vital art piece. Building a Temple is more than a construction of materials; it constitutes a construction of the heart. We invite those who are called to submit proposals for review.
Build Requirements:
- The Temple has a maximum size: 8 feet in any direction (length, width, height)
- The Temple is to be built with no metal, only wood. Wood glue and natural rope can be used. Rebar stakes can be used at the bottom to create a stable structure but that is it.
- We encourage an opening for humans to go into the Temple, we request that the opening be at least 36 inches wide.
- LOF requires that all pieces that are slated to burn at LOF adhere to our Burning Art Restrictions.
Proposal Requests:
- The more details your proposal has the better
- Submissions that incorporate the event theme are encouraged and appreciated
For more details on requirements check out the temple page on the website.
Digital Artists Wanted
Art at the burn isn’t just built with wood and screws; it’s built with pixels and passion, too. We are looking for submissions for the 2026 event logo.
The logo is a gift that keeps on giving—it’s shared with the entire community to inspire their own patches, pendants, and treasures. If you have a vision that captures the heart of this year’s theme, “Grand Masquerade“, please share your designs with swag@lakesoffire.org before the February 28th, 2026 deadline.
Here is the vector file of the logo to get you started.
Update on Facebook Group Changes
Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard a wide range of feedback about the planned shift to one-way communication on the Lakes of Fire Facebook group. Many community members shared thoughtful concerns about how that change would impact connection, dialogue, and the sense of shared space that has developed there over the years.
We want you to know: We heard you.
Those perspectives have been gathered and shared with leadership, and they are actively informing ongoing discussions. As a result, we are pausing implementation of the one-way model while we work toward an approach that better balances two very real needs:
The organization’s responsibility to reduce risk
The community’s need for spaces to connect, share, and engage in dialogue
The original decision was made in good faith, with the intention of reducing the opportunities for harm that can come from platform algorithms, automated deletion/moderation, and bad actors who target online spaces. While individuals can choose their own level of online risk, the organization has a duty to think about safety and equity at a community-wide level for everyone who interacts with Lakes of Fire.
That responsibility has not changed, but neither has our commitment to community connection.
The Leads group is now working toward a revised plan that addresses the underlying risks while preserving ways for participants to interact with both the organization and each other. Once a direction is agreed upon by consensus within the Leads group, we will share the updated plan along with a clear timeline for implementation.
In parallel, we are moving forward with additional avenues for communication and engagement that support connection beyond any single social media platform:
An online community bulletin board: board.lakesoffire.org
Monthly Zoom town halls with leadership-these will start soon just need to organize schedules
Community Connections, where anyone can submit announcements, resources, or calls for collaboration. We are exploring the best long-term home for this, and it will at minimum be shared via email each month. Stay tuned for a form to submit your announcements to in the very near future.
These efforts reflect an ongoing goal: to create multiple, more accessible ways for our community to stay informed and engaged, rather than relying on one platform to serve every purpose.
We know change can be hard, especially in spaces that feel personal. We appreciate everyone who has shared feedback with care and intention, and we remain committed to transparency as we move forward.
Thank you for being part of the conversation as we work to do this thoughtfully and responsibly.
If you have specific questions, please reach out at info@lakesoffire.org
Where the Money Magic Happens (a.k.a. 2025 Financials Are Here)
At Lakes of Fire, a lot goes into building a temporary city of art, infrastructure, and shared experience. Each year, we publish reports that show the practical side of making that happen.
The 2025 Financial Report and Afterburn Report are now available on the website.
These reports provide a general overview of:
Event income and major expense areas
Infrastructure, safety, and operational costs
Art and program-related spending
A broader recap of how the event came together and key takeaways from the year
We release these materials as part of our ongoing commitment to being open about how the event operates and how resources are used to support the experience.
If you have specific financial questions, you can contact the Finance Committee at:
finance@lakesoffire.org
Thank you for being part of what makes Lakes of Fire possible each year, from the big builds to the small moments.
*Links to all of our yearly tax documents can also be found on this page.
A Small Social Media Update
As part of the ongoing evolution of Lakes of Fire communications, we’ll be stepping away from TikTok.
The platform was originally adopted as a low-key experiment, and recent changes to its ownership and Terms of Service have prompted us to reassess whether it’s the right long-term fit. Rather than make a big splash, we’re simply closing that channel and focusing our energy on platforms that better align with our communication goals and risk considerations. If you would like to know more you can read this article.
Thanks for staying flexible as we continue to refine how we show up online.
New Year, New Link: Update Your Volunteeripate Bookmarks!
Volunteeripate has some exciting changes planned for this year, and to prepare for these updates the URL to our Volunteeripate portal has changed. Please head over to lakesoffire.volunteeripate.com to access your volunteer profile and history. The old volunteer.lakesoffire.org link has been redirected, so make sure to update your bookmarks now to ensure you have quick access to your favorite shifts. We can’t wait to see you out there—thanks for being the gears that make our city turn!
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The world can feel like a lot sometimes — so take a breath, drink some water, and remember we’re all just humans doing our best in interesting times. Be kind, offer a little extra grace, and don’t forget to look for small sparks of joy (they count).
When things feel noisy, go make something weird. Art is good medicine — especially when you share it.
If you’d like to contribute to event organization throughout the year, please apply here or reach out to a department lead.
If you’re not receiving the Lakes Letter (this thing!) in your inbox each month, consider signing up. It’s your best source to stay up-to-date on all the details. While you’re there, sign up for volunteering updates from individual departments if you’d like.
May your nights be cozy and warm.
xoxo,
Info_bot