How to Know What to Wear for a Fire Performance

You're ready to perform with fire. You want to look great AND stay safe. Read this article & you'll be well on your way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A healthy respect for fire.
• Access to fire resistant clothing (visit firedanceinfo.com).
• Common sense.

1. 
   Fire Triangle

   UNDERSTAND WHAT HELPS CLOTHING RESIST FIRE:
   1. Everything will burn at a high enough temperature, so there is no such thing as fire proof clothing. However, fire resistant clothing will help give you extra time to extinguish the fire before it reaches your skin.
   2. Fire needs fuel, heat & oxygen to burn. Loose knit fabrics allow oxygen into the weave, therefore increasing the likelihood it will burn. Choose tightly knit fabric such as duvetyne, denim or cotton. Real leather is also a good choice.
   3. Holes & fraying increase fire risk for the same reason. Patch holes, trim fray or discard altogether.
   4. Clothing that is loose fitting also increases fire risk for the same reason. Don't let your sleeves, fringe or ribbon serve as a wick!
   5. Be aware of the fire triangle & do your best to keep fuel & excessive heat away from your clothing.

2. BE AWARE OF OTHER HAZARDS:
   1. Many fire performance burns are chemical burns from fuel soaking into the skin or contact burns from metal burning the skin or plastic melting to the skin. Be aware of your jewelry/accessory choices.
   2. Fuel isn't just kerosene or white gas, avoid alcohol based toiletries such as hair spray, glitter lotion or perfume (read the bottles before using!).
   3. Protect the biggest wick of all...your hair. You can wet your hair right before the performance with a squirt bottle, wear a fire resistant beanie, tie your hair back in a tight low ponytail or wear a fire resistant bandana.
   4. If using poi, containing hair is also important because they can tangle around a high ponytail or dreads. I've seen it happen & it's not fun.

3. Relax & realize that because you have made good choices & are aware of what you're dealing with, you have increased your level of safety & can have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Stay smart & you'll significantly decrease your risk of a burn.
• Know basic first aid, so even if you do end up with a burn you'll know how to assess & treat it.
• Fire resistant clothing is expensive, but often worth it. If you just can't afford it, choose tight fitting leather, denim or cotton clothing you already have.
• Remember, fire can burn you!

Resources

• Fire Dance Information Site

[Thims]

on 9/16/2008 Ok, let me get this straight. You're actually going to jump into a "Fire" and dance? ;-) You are a brave person! The Hair Wick thing does me in!! Great article with very crucial information.

[Mindee94]

on 8/22/2008 Good points. Very interesting and taken into advisement. Definitely brought up points not considered. Thanks for the tips!

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 8/12/2008 I think this is important information just for safty reasons...thanks very much, I learned something today!