Fire Safety Tips for Circus Performers Manipulating Flames

Fire Safety Considerations for Performers

Fire performance such as fire spinning, eating, and breathing involves inherent risks. However, there are many precautions performers can take to mitigate these risks and ensure safety for themselves as well as spectators. With proper planning, equipment, and procedures, the dangers of fire performance can be drastically reduced.

Location and Environmental Factors

Performers should carefully evaluate potential performance spaces or venues. Consider the following factors:

• Does the area have fire safety mechanisms like extinguishers, blankets, etc. readily available?
• Is the ground level and clear of debris that could catch accidental drops of flame?
• Is there sufficient clearance from buildings, trees/brush, powerlines and other flammable objects?
• Are weather conditions dry without strong winds that could spread flames?

Outdoor locations are generally preferable as they mitigate risks of structural fires. Indoor spaces like clubs require very careful evaluation of safety measures and exit accessibility.

Equipment & Clothing Considerations

The equipment used in fire manipulation plays a huge role in mitigating risk factors. Considerations include:

• Torches, batons, fans, etc. should be commercially manufactured fire props designed for performance use, not homemade variants.
• Wicks should fit properly and be in good condition without fraying or burn damage.
• Fuel should be high quality fire performance oils, not improvised accelerants.
• Natural fiber clothing is preferable to synthetics that could melt and cause burns.
• No flowing/baggy sleeves or trailing fabric that could catch sparks.
• Hair should be tied back securely.
• No highly flammable decorations like feathers should be worn.

Safety Equipment & Assistants

In addition to fire suppression equipment on site, performers should have safety supplies at the ready. These include:

• Dedicated fire blankets & extinguishers only for performer use.
• Multiple towels or rags to smother face/body flames.
• A first aid kit stocked with burn cream & wraps.
• Emergency contacts for medical responders if needed.
• Designated safety assistants to monitor conditions and assist if required.

Assistants should be trained in basic fire safety and prepared to take action like smothering the performer with blankets or towels in case of mishaps.

Emergency Response Readiness

Despite best efforts at mitigation, accidents can happen. All performers should have contingency plans for emergencies:

• Know multiple evacuation paths from the performance area.
• Have specific plans to calmly guide spectators away from any fallen equipment.
• Immediately stop the show and follow emergency protocol if injuries occur.
• Depending on severity, administer first aid or call for an ambulance.
• Comply fully with any investigations by authorities like the fire marshal.

By remaining level-headed and organized during an emergency, performers can prevent further escalation and even save lives.

Insurance Considerations

Performing dangerous stunts, even as a hobby, carries financial risks if injuries or property damage occur. Options to explore include:

• Personal accident insurance to cover potential medical bills.
• Public liability insurance in case spectators are injured.
• Business/equipment insurance protecting gear investments if lost to fires.

Some fire performance companies or venues may require liability waivers to be signed as a prerequisite for using their spaces. However, these won't necessarily prevent lawsuits in the aftermath of a bad accident.

Fire Training for Safe Performances

Anyone pursuing fire manipulation should seek thorough training before attempting to perform. Warning signs of inadequate skills include:

• Poor stance/posture without firm footing prepared for sudden movements.
• Gripping torches loosely allowing drops.
• Panicked reactions to minor flames or brushes instead of calmly continuing.
• Lack of awareness about equipment positions. Spinning into mic stands, speakers etc.
• No safety assistants or contingency plans.

Dedicate serious time to skill building under an experienced fire coach. Drill safety protocols until they become second nature. Don't push boundaries too quickly before mastering techniques fully. Start with minimal risk props like fire fans rather than advanced skills like body reels or eating fire.

In ideal training conditions, learners should wear fire suits, practice over soft surfaces outdoors and have training staff equipped with suppression gear in case interventions are required.

Warning Signs It's Too Dangerous

While the appeal of performing is strong, ultimately safety should come first. Avoid taking unnecessary risks such as:

• Performing while impaired by alcohol, medications or recreational drugs.
• Pushing excessively long burn times without break periods.
• Using questionable fuel because preferred sources are unavailable.
• Taking on complex new tricks without spotters as a precaution.
• Performing when severely fatigued or otherwise not feeling 100%.

Know personal limitations and don't bow to internal or external pressures pushing past them. It's always okay to delay or cancel shows when dangerous scenarios arise.

Cultivating a Safety Culture

Within local fire performance communities, make safety-first attitudes the norm. Some suggestions include:

• Experienced performers should publicly praise safety role models over ignoring or praising risk takers.
• Support newcomers with guidance and assistance to prevent naive mistakes.
• Circulate educational materials and have open discussions around best practices.
• Intervene if witnessing unsafe behavior rather than looking the other way.
• Report serious issues like underage drinking or totally unsupervised practice to parents or authorities as appropriate.

Everyone can help reinforce cultural standards where safety is valued over thrills alone. This builds appreciation for fire arts as honorable practices instead of reckless stunts.

In Closing

Fire performance captivates audiences unlike any other feats. But make no mistake, real dangers lurk behind the mystique. Avoid disaster through knowledge and preparation guided by respect for the power of flames.

Aim higher than just wanting attention or popularity from performances. Embrace fire arts as profound rituals honoring elemental energies, executed with maturity and wisdom guiding every movement.

FAQs

What fuel sources are recommended for fire performance equipment?

Commercially manufactured fire performance oils are recommended. Improvised accelerants are too unpredictable and dangerous for fire manipulation.

If my clothing catches fire during a show, what should I do?

Stop, drop, and roll on the ground immediately to smother flames. Have assistants ready with fire blankets and towels as backup suppression sources.

How can I get fire manipulation insurance as a performer?

Explore personal accident insurance, public liability coverage, and business/equipment policies through major insurance providers. Some may require proof of training.