Arlene Smith at a Seattle Flow Arts Collective Community Fire Jam.
Photo Credit: Vitz Photos
New to fire spinning? Here are some tips for establishing a safe space for you to practice. First off—know that it’s important to spin fire in areas that aren’t going to get you into too much trouble with any local authorities or businesses. Technically, you should be using privately-owned properties where you have permission to burn. Fire spinning in public, on public property such as city parks etc, might draw attention and you will need to be prepared to be approached. In general, if you’re uncertain—ask the owners! More on this to come.
If you have your own or rent your property, have access from a friend or family— or if you have a little bit of flexibility and you know that you are ready to plan your space, you can start by determining some basic “zones”. This step in planning can help to ensure the safest layout. It also helps with your general process for efficient movement thru the steps, and gives everyone—your safety person and your audience—a good perspective on the scene. Bonus: Organization delivers confidence in your bystanders, property owners, etc. It will later be good practice that you will have in place if you ever find yourself booking professional gigs.
Drawing maps of your area can be helpful if you are inclined!
Performance/Spinning Zone
Wide open spaces are ideal! Choose ground surfaces that are smooth, flat and free of obstacles, Consider the most “fire proof” spots that are available to you such as concrete or gravel. If necessary, do a little bit of preparation: dry lawns can get hosed down so they are less flammable; survey areas for debris, rocks, broken glass if spinning on the beach in bare feet. You will be spinning in the dark…if you can trip on it or injure yourself, assume that the chances of it happening while twirling in circles are high!
If you are inclined to help establish your space, you can add to your Spinning Zone by setting out some twinkle lights, caution cones or stanchions. This comes in handy if you have a bit of a crowd and/or children who need a reminder to stay a safe distance away. You might even think about a spot to set out some chairs for your viewers as well.
Set out a Light-off source! I love a classic kerosene oil lamp placed at the opening corner of my fire spinning zone. Where some people utilize a basic lighter to light props up, I personally think that it’s a nice touch to have a lamp going. Folks have even been known to use fire pits, campfires, burn barrells (use caution to not melt your props with all of these), or candles or sterno-cups. Just don’t get the wax or fuel on your wicks.
Fuel and Dip Station
This zone needs to be set up somewhere that is a good distance away from your fire spinning area and your audience. A minimum of 25 feet is important to consider! I have mine set up inside my back yard, on stable ground, where it is nicely lit by my porch light, but if you don’t already have a light handy, it helps to set up a lantern so you can see your wicks and fuel while dipping! Make sure that wherever you need to set it up, pets and children won’t be able to bump into it or knock anything over. Once you fuel your prop, close up lids and if possible secure them inside your bucket. Dip Stations can be considered a “behind the stage” zone.
This area is used for spin-off if I ever need to. It’s gravel, with low vegetation. This spot is a bit of a “corridor” where the fuel drops aren’t landing on my audience, is far away from open flame, and it’s low-traffic.
Spin-off Zone
This is a designated area where excess fuel from your props will end up during the “spin-off” process. Some props require spinning extra fuel from your wicks if you don’t utilize zip-baggies to capture and reclaim excess fuel, or if you use a “Controlled Pour-over Method” such as a quick-dip or squeeze bottle over an iso-wick. Inevitably, the flammable and toxic droplets will end up on the ground. It’s not my favorite part of fire spinning, because it can get into the storm water runoff. and is overall not too good for nature. If you need to spin off excess fuel, choose and area that is far away from your active fire spinning zone, and your audience. You will utilize this area right after you dip your prop. On your layout, find a place that is not too far out of your way or along your path to the fire spinning zone, as long as it’s at least 25 feet away from open flame.
Prop Area
A pretty straight forward, but handy area to consider is your prop zone. If you haven’t safety-tested your props, do this now—as you are setting out your gear. Feel your wicks by hand for any irregularities, so you can be confident by the time you are spinning that everything checks out. Having props set aside can help with staging, and it gives them a spot where they can safely cool down, away from open flame and your audience.
Safety Zone
Your safety person has a very important task, so be sure to give them a spot where they can effectively do their job! Lay out your fire blanket, set out fire extinguishers and water buckets if you need to, get a chair or a stool in place for them so they can be comfortable but ready to attend to any emergencies that may happen. Fire Blankets need to be placed with the fuzzy side up if you are using a duvetyne cloth. If you are using a wet towel, lay that out for them. They will need to be shown how to extinguish props if they don’t know how to do that, or understand the steps to take to put out any flames that might catch on your clothing. Please check in with your safety! Be confident that they are up to the task, and are able to pay close attention, be free of distractions, and even multi-tasking. I like having my safety set up at the opening corner of my space, where they can keep an eye on props that might not be fully extinguished before being put away—this happens! My spot for safety is next to my garage, so that if a prop were to go flying towards my building, they can quickly assess it. Keep in mind that you also need to be able to hear your safety person . If their voice gets drowned out by loud speakers or headphones, you might be slow to react if they are telling you that your shirt caught fire.
Now that you have your zones set up, you are ready to go! Remember that Safe spinning is the most important aspect of Fire Hooping. If you don’t feel that you are quite ready, keep researching, seek out other individuals in the fire community, ask questions and take a fire Safety training course. Practice is only part of it!
I hope you found this guide useful! It is part of a series that should move you through the process of getting acquainted with the art of fire performing. Check back for more coming soon!
Livi not only makes fire hoops, but has been spinning fire since 2012. She is certified through Flow Arts Institute in Fire Safety Training, and works with individuals for in-person fire hooping instruction.