Fire breathers use a hand torch and combustible fuel to create the illusion of exhaling fire. Kerosene and lamp oil are the safest fuels to use. Safety precautions must be taken to protect the performer and audience, including wearing fireproof clothing and avoiding low-flash point fuels.
A fire breather is a stunt performer who creates the illusion of exhaling fire from his mouth by blowing a mist of combustible fuel over an open flame, usually located at the end of a hand torch. Although fire breathing has long been a component of Hindu spiritual ceremonies, since the late 19th century it has become a popular feature of Western events such as circuses and alternative music festivals. Fire breathing displays can be visually impressive, but the use of flames and fuel can make them extremely dangerous; therefore, the artist must be well trained and take all possible safety precautions to protect himself and his audience.
Before performing his feat, a fire breather needs two basic items: a torch and fuel. The size, shape and material of the torch can vary according to the artist’s preferences and level of experience. Some respirators start with a torch made from a refurbished wire hanger with a wick of pure cotton material affixed to the top. Again, the wick size will be adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the breather, but it should be noted that a larger wick will result in a larger flame.
Central to executing a fire breathing feat is fuel. When choosing fuel, it is important to consider its flash point, or the lowest temperature at which it will ignite when it encounters an ignition source. Low flash point fuels can potentially ignite near the face, creating a greater risk of the fire breather being burned; therefore, these fuels, which include substances such as butane, ethyl alcohol, and gasoline, are generally avoided. Many breathers agree that the most suitable performance fuels are kerosene and lamp oil, both of which have high flash points compared to other potential fuels.
With these tools, the fire-breather can perform his illusion. Holding the torch in one hand, he must light the wick, then point the flame away from his body. He must then take a small amount of fuel to his mouth, being extremely careful to avoid swallowing it, and spraying the fuel through his lips towards the flame in a light mist. When the fuel mist meets the torch flame, it quickly ignites, creating the impression that the vent has exhaled fire. After breathing, he should immediately wipe his mouth and face with a flame resistant cloth to remove any traces of fuel, decreasing the risk of him catching fire if the plume returns to him.
As the fire-breather gains experience, he can adjust his technique to create a wide variety of stunts. For example, he can learn to direct the plume of flames to the ground or shape it into an arc or circle. He can work with one or more breathers, performing synchronized acrobatics or passing feathers back and forth.
It is imperative that breathers take note of the safety hazards associated with fire gear. Perhaps most pressing is the potential harm that fuel ingestion can do. Even so-called “safer” fuels like kerosene can cause nausea, headaches and a more serious condition known as chemical pneumonia if drawn into the lungs. In addition to the burn hazards mentioned above that accompany low-flash point fuels, long-term ingestion of too many of these substances can potentially lead to cancer or blindness.
Finally, the respirator must take precautions to minimize the risk of igniting himself, his audience or his surroundings. He must wear fireproof clothing and keep away from spectators. Additionally, before performing a stunt, he must survey his environment, making adjustments for potential fire hazards such as tree limbs and high winds. Before performing in public, the breather must first get a significant amount of practice, if possible under the guidance of an experienced performer. Regardless of one’s experience, it is necessary to remember that in such a dangerous art form, accidents are always possible.
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