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Through a careful blend of dance, theater and fire manipulation,
Elemental Artistry offers truly unique and memorable performances
for a variety of events and audiences.

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Fire Safety Guidelines
Fire safety is the first priority of fire dancing, and the members of Elemental Artistry.  Fire dancing is fun, but it can also be dangerous.  To maximize the safety of ourselves and others, we recognize that it is important to be aware of the dangers that fire can present.  By following some simple guidelines (many of which are common sense) we can ensure that we will twirl in a safe manner and further enjoy the beauty of this dynamic art.  For these reasons we feel that it is important to share this information with others as well.

    Common Sense

    NEVER fire twirl under the influence of any drug, including alcohol. Check that the equipment you use to fire twirl is free from damage including loose screws, frayed wick, deteriorating grips or other obvious defects. Only twirl with fire what you are competent and comfortable doing and have practiced extensively with unlit equipment. Don't twirl in areas that are a fire danger, for example with overhanging trees, dry grass or loose foliage. Be aware of wind direction and that flames may travel if the wind is too strong.

    Personal Safety

    Never fire twirl alone, especially if you are new to fire dancing -- a second person can watch over your safety while you are using fire and help in case of any accident. Wear clothes of natural fibres (like cotton) that are not floppy or loose to avoid setting yourself on fire. Make sure you have safety equipment handy such as a fire blanket or damp cloth (that is *never* used to mop up fuel). Importantly, be confident with your fire safety equipment and KNOW HOW TO USE THEM before an accident occurs.

    Safety of Others

    Be very aware of your environment and the people in it. Make sure you have a lot of space around you when you fire twirl and keep an eye out for people who may wander by while you are dancing.

    Fuels

    The most commonly used fuel is lamp oil.  There are many benefits to using lamp oil for fire dancing.  It requires a much higher level of heat to ignite which makes it much safer for the dancer, the audience, and the environment around you. In addition to its general overall safety, when you burn lamp oil next to your body it does not feel as hot as other fuels.  It is a heavier fuel when compared to other fuels, and it does not evaporate very quickly.  This gives you a longer burn time so that you may dance without the fear that your wicks will extinguish before your performance is over.  Similar fuels that are good for dancing include odorless kerosine and citronella oil. We will sometimes add a little kerosine or white gas to our lamp oil to create a blend.  The mixture is still 80-90% lamp oil, but the added kerosine or white gas gives it that initial jump start so that your audience is not left waiting for the show to start.  Make sure your fuel is in a well labled, sealed container. NEVER ignite a fuel that you do not know is safe to twirl with. If you are unsure, please consult other fire performers.

    Dipping

    Dedicate a dipping space separate from the space you will be dancing in. At all times, keep fire away from the fuel and the dipping area. Fully submerge the wick in your fuel dipping container for a few seconds. Shake off as much of the excess fuel as possible to ensure that when you light up, you will not 'flick' ignited drops of fuel about your space.  Then use an empty paint can to "spin-off" any more excess fuel, and pour the remains into your dipping container.  This will help you re-claim any fuel you may have lost otherwise and you will save money in the long run.  The best dipping container is an amo can.  You should be able to find one of these at any military surplus store.  You can store the left over fuel in these containers without being concerned of it leaking, spilling or combusting.

    Lighting

    Light AWAY from the dipping area with a candle or a lighter. Always light from below the wick to avoid engulfing the lighting instrument in flames. If you are using a lighter, do not keep it in your pocket or on your body while you are fire dancing - if it were to heat up it could explode.  Do not light your equipment near anyone smoking a cigarette either.  Be fully aware of your surroundings.

    Extinguishing

    Fire wicks will naturally go out after a few minutes of dancing. Many people prefer to extinguish the wick either to end a dancing set or to prolong the life of the wick (a smoldering wick will deteriorate faster than one that is extinguished). If a wick is nearly exhausted, you can blow it out starting at the base of the wick. Otherwise, smother it in a fire blanket or damp towel.

    Be careful of your surroundings. If you drop your fire staff or poi, or if any fuel drips off your lit fire equipment, it may ignite the ground. The easiest way to put out small ground fires is to firmly stand on them in your shoes.

    Should your clothing or any other object catch fire, smother immediately with either a fire blanket, damp towel or anything else available to put out the fire. Do not pat the fire as this will only encourage the flame -- cover it and hold until it is extinguished.  Don't forget what you learned long ago, if your clothing catches on fire, "Stop, drop and roll".

    Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher and a water extinguisher available.  Use the fire extinguisher for buildings or objects and use the water extinguisher for a person.  Point the extinguisher at the base of the flame, not at the middle or top.  If the flame is larger than the extinguisher itself, you will not be able to put out the flame.  Do not waste time and call 9-1-1.

    First Aid

    Tend to any burns by running the burn under cold water. If the burn is major, seek medical attention.

    Note: Some of the above text is an excerpt from www.fire-dancing.com of which Elemental Artistry is a member.  This is a great resource for fire dancers all over the world to find community and practice proper safety!  Some of the content has been changed specifically for Elemental Artistry, but most of the content remains the same.