With a slow-moving storm crossing the area, dumping water on traditionally arid lands, authorities have told the 73,000 people attending the Burning Man festival that they must shelter in place until the risk of mudslides and washed-out roads passes, USA Today reports.
As of 5:00 a.m. local time, the exit gates to the 4,000 acre festival grounds were closed, and organizers informed attendees to shelter in place as well as to prepare for an extended stay. “If you are in [Black Rock City], conserve food and water, shelter in a warm space.” A small airport nearby was also shut down.
The road closure means service contractors cannot reach the festival site, and some trash facilities and port-a-potties have started to fill, leading many attendees to start comparing this year’s Burning Man to the disastrous Fyre Festival. Scheduled to end Monday, the festival got off to a rocky start when organizers kept the festival grounds closed to early arrivals last week due to the remnants of Hurricane Hilary sweeping through the region.