Fire Twirling Safety - just a bit of a guide!
There are so many people spinning, twirling, juggling, eating, breathing fire these days that a little of the healthy respect for fire’s more destructive side is sometimes forgotten. Keep in mind you are playing with fire – and it can burn. Don’t fear it – but do respect it. It can be a most beautiful and enchanting playmate – if you play safe
I can’t detail every possible fire hazard that will present itself as you set up to twirl – keep thinking about the situation and make sure you think of everything – then it just won’t happen
Two *most* important things are
* DO NOT twirl fire under the influence of any drug including (or especially) alcohol, and
* DO NOT fire breathe without professional training. (if at all)
Minors should always be supervised when dealing with fire. It is a dangerous activity. Do not twirl without adult supervision if you are under 18.
Don’t twirl alone – always have someone there who can deal with anything that might happen if the fire got out of control
Have a fire blanket and fire extinguisher present – and know how to use them properly. At the very least have a damp towel or blanket (NEVER used to mop up fuel spills) and a “spotter” (ie someone who will watch you and be prepared to deal with any accident that may occur) It is important to remember if you need to put out fire using the towel/blanket not to pat and flap the towel around – firmly suffocate the flame - not allowing any air in.
Wear light, fairly well fitted clothing made from natural fibres and tie your hair back if it’s long or to cover it with a beanie or bandana...
Other little things that are worth considering –hairspray can give your hair a really effective coating of extra flammable fuel – so don’t use it if you’re intending to light up (glitter spray counts too) and don’t keep your lighter in your pocket (or up your sleeve or down your bra) while you are twirling – if your clothing somehow ignited, the lighter could explode
So when you are ready to light up (which would be after a considerable time practicing without fire) – pour some of your fuel into a suitable container (we use an old honey tin – bottles are a bit dangerous – they can smash if knocked over, or explode if exposed to a flame) and dip your wicks in the fuel until soaked. The first couple of times that you light up new wicks it is a good idea to have them soak for quite a while and make sure you don’t let them smolder out. The new wick will sometimes go out very quickly until it is conditioned – depending on what fuel you are using. After soaking the wicks, make sure they are free from any excess, dripping fuel (shake them, spin them – do whatever you need to do to make sure you aren’t going to be spraying burning fuel into somebody’s eye! This is possibly one of the most important thing you can do to prevent fire accidents occurring!) Then using a candle or lighter (light from under the wick so that you don’t engulf the lighter with flames – or burn your hand) light up your staff. (Fuel dipping area should be set apart from any naked flame)
Fuels: Any combustible fuel is dangerous. Kerosene and other hydrocarbons (Citronella Lamp Oil, Odourless/ Low Odour Kerosene) are very sooty and smoky, but will burn fairly well and are safer than some. (however do be aware that they are slightly carcenogenic and often contain chemical "fillers" which are not very good fro your body)Alcohols such as methylated spirits will burn much hotter and can burn on your clothing; likewise shellite is quite an explosive flame and can transfer easily... ie do not use Shellite! If you are looking for an odourless and less toxic fuel try "Pegasol" or "ShellSol" or "KSolT" - but no matter what fuel you choose to use - understand the properties of the fuel (eg get a copy of the MSDS) before you use it and act accordingly!
