Fire Safety Guide

Clothing & Attire

It is extremely important to make sure your clothing is fire-safe before lighting up. Avoid any clothing that can get caught in your props. Tight-fitted clothing is much safer because the more oxygen within the clothing, the more likely it is to ignite.

Wearing clothing with natural fibers is the safest choice. When natural fibers burn, they burn into ash and away from your skin. Nylon, plastic, and fleece burn slowly and into your skin, causing severe burns. Wear natural fibers and avoid synthetic fibers.

Fiber Safety Chart

Hair Safety

Hair should be pulled back tightly with no flyaways. Singed hair becomes brittle with an unpleasant burnt smell. Those with long hair should keep it braided, in a bun, or covered with a fire-safe hat or wrap.

A headband or bandana is essential for preventing flyaways, especially with short hair. Use a spray bottle to dampen your hair right before lighting up.

Environment & Venue

Choosing the right environment is critical. Consider the surface you'll be performing on and ensure you have ample space. Give yourself more room than you think you need, especially for beginners.

• Minimum recommended space: 10×10 ft (preferred: 15×15 ft or larger)
• Check for overhead obstructions (awnings, branches, decorations)
• Confirm venue fire code compliance with the local NFPA 1: Fire Code
• Identify all exits and evacuation routes per NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
• Ensure adequate ventilation for indoor performances

Fuel Selection

White gas (camp fuel) is recommended for clean, bright burns. While kerosene burns longer, its downsides include black smoke and a lingering unpleasant smell.

For fire eating and fire breathing, lamp oil is the safer option due to its lower volatility and reduced toxicity.

Fuel Station Setup

Your fuel station must be positioned at least 15 feet away from your performance area. If a prop goes flying, the entire fuel supply must remain safe.

• Keep the fuel station away from all bystanders and spectators
• Use red safety cones to mark the station perimeter, especially around children
• No smoking anywhere near the fuel station
• Never place fuel on or near a flammable surface
• Keep the fuel container closed tightly when not actively fueling
• Use a funnel to return excess fuel to its container
• After sealing, flip the container to check for leaks

Preparing to Burn

1. Inspect your props — Ensure all bolts are tight and secure. Check for fraying on Kevlar wicks and trim any loose threads.
2. Fuel the wicks — Dip props in fuel for approximately 5 seconds until bubbles appear, then let excess fuel drip back into the container.
3. Secure your fuel — Close and move the fuel container before proceeding.
4. Spin off excess fuel — Step into an open area away from people and anything flammable. Spin off your prop until all excess fuel is gone. This is crucial for avoiding tiny fireballs.
5. Wipe down — Use a rag to remove any fuel from yourself or any non-wick part of your prop.
6. Dampen skin & hair — Use a spray bottle or bucket of water. Apply fire-retardant spray to clothing if desired.
7. Confirm your fire safety person is ready — then light up.

During the Burn

Give yourself more room than you think you need. Minimum performance area is 10×10 ft, but 15×15 ft or larger is strongly preferred.

• Stay focused on your prop and your fire at all times
• Avoid getting too close to anything flammable or out of reach of safety equipment
• If you drop a prop, pick it up immediately
• On pavement or concrete, flames will self-extinguish quickly
• On grass or other surfaces, pat the area immediately to prevent spread
• When performing on grass, only execute tricks you can confidently land without dropping

Fire Safety Person

A dedicated fire safety person must be present and actively monitoring the environment at all times during a burn. This is non-negotiable.

• Must have a fire blanket and extinguisher on hand at all times
• Must understand how each prop works and how to effectively extinguish it
• Should immediately call out whichever body part catches fire
• Must be ready to pat the performer down with a fire blanket until the fire is fully extinguished
• Must NOT be distracted — no filming, no music duty, no phone use
• Their sole priority is the performer's safety

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is the most critical component of professional fire performance. Never perform without the following on-site:

• Fire Extinguisher (Class B or ABC) — Fuel fires are Class B fires (flammable liquids and gases). Ensure your extinguisher covers Class B. An ABC-rated combination extinguisher is recommended.
• Fire Blanket — Essential for smothering prop fires and protecting the performer. Keep one at the fuel station and one near the performance area.
• Spray Bottle / Water Bucket — For dampening hair, skin, and clothing before performing.
• Fire-Retardant Spray — Optional but recommended for treating clothing before each performance.
• First Aid Kit — Burn-specific supplies including burn gel, sterile gauze, and cold packs.
• Safety Cones — To mark the fuel station perimeter and performance boundaries.
• Rags / Towels — For wiping excess fuel from props and skin.
• Fuel Funnel — For safe fuel transfer without spillage.

Using a Fire Extinguisher — Remember P.A.S.S.

First Aid for Burns

Even with all precautions, minor burns can happen. Knowing how to respond immediately makes all the difference.

Minor Burns (First Degree)

1. Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes
2. Apply burn gel or aloe vera
3. Cover loosely with sterile, non-stick gauze
4. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed

Serious Burns (Second Degree or Worse)

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Do NOT remove clothing stuck to the burn
3. Do NOT apply ice, butter, or any home remedies
4. Cover with a clean, dry cloth and keep the person calm until help arrives

NFPA Quick Reference

The following NFPA codes and standards are most relevant to professional fire performance:

• NFPA 1 — Fire Code (general fire safety requirements)
• NFPA 10 — Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
• NFPA 30 — Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
• NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code (egress & exits)
• NFPA 160 — Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience
• NFPA 2112 — Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing