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PROFESSIONAL FIRE-EATING FAQs
(With additional not-so-professional FAQs and comments the pro's get tired of hearing)
First, the FAQs and comments we most often receive from the public...
How do you DO THAT?
A: Extremely carefully. Actually, it's all done with mirrors and confetti. We have a colored light hidden backstage that reflects off the mylar streamers on the ends of the rods to look like fire.... (You'd be surprised how many people actually nod in understanding of an "explanation" of this sort!)
WHY do you do that?
A: If I didn't, who would? -Somebody has to do these things, or you would never get to see a show like this. If we could only know WHY we do the things we do, most of us would be living completely different lives...
Did you ever get burned?
A: Well, one time years ago, I accidentally dropped a cigarette ash down my pajamas, and had a nice blister on my groin for awhile. Do you want to see the scar? -What do you expect?? Of course, I've gotten burned. There is no such thing as a professional Fire-Eater who has never been burned.
Do you ever get HEARTBURN?
A: Yes, I do. I buy Maalox wholesale. I get heartburn and belch gas fumes for hours after every performance. Nobody ever said Fire-Eaters have it easy.
You must LOVE chili peppers!
A: Personally, I hate the taste of them. But before you laugh, yes, I CAN eat them, as well as Jalapeno and Habanero peppers. Being able to, and liking them, are two different things...
Do you have any taste-buds after all that?
A: Yes, I'm pleased to say I do. I especially savor the delicate taste of sautéed mushrooms, for example. After more than 35 years of this, my taste-buds are fine.
Boy! I'll bet you're one hot lover!
A: Actually, it should come as no surprise that most people find constant gasoline-breath to be quite a romantic turn-off. This is no lie. Kissing a fire-eater is like kissing a gas pump! Think about that before you decide to impress your loved one with fire.
If I only knew what you use, I could do that too.
A: Why do you think performers keep their fuels in unmarked containers? -Knowing what the professionals use and being able to actually do it -without landing in a hospital (or worse)- are two totally different things. Knowing what number club Tiger Woods uses is not going to make you hit a hole-in-one.
How long you been doing that?
A: Since about ten o'clock this morning.
No, I meant how long does it take to learn something like that?
A: I have been a professional Fire-Eater for well over thirty-five years, and I am still learning...Think about it.
Okay. We've had a few laughs here, at the expense of the uninitiated. It is also hoped that those of you who are simply curious, and not really seriously considering "taking up the torch" will have some of your FAQs answered. The previous questions are some that have been posed to most fire-eaters throughout history, and some of the stock answers and retorts we have given. What follows are the more serious questions posed by those who fully intend to "do it" in spite of all warnings...
How can I learn to just blow "fireballs" to impress my friends?
Where can I find a good "Fire-Eaters' school"?
Where do you get the fuel for "cold fires"?
How do I keep from burning my mouth?
Don't the professionals have some "insert" to put in their mouth,
or some chemical to coat their mouth and hands with?
I'd like to set up, or join, a competition to see who can blow the longest/biggest flame.
How would I set it up, or go about joining a sanctioned competition?
Where can I buy a good set of fire-eating torches?
What should I do if I accidentally spill some fuel?
What should I do if I swallow some fuel?
What if I do get burned?
How long does it take to become a professional Fire-Eater?
What are the essentials of being a true professional Fire-Eater?
What sort of license or certification is required to be a professional Fire-Eater?
It is Mephisto's contention that there can be no one hard-and-fast, definitive, final answer to any question posed. Every question imaginable can have many correct answers. Nothing in the world is unchanging. Every situation has its own variables. Every question is relative to the facts at hand. Therefore, NEVER accept the answer of anyone -even the Master, as final. The following answers to the above questions are the best that the Master can give in general terms:
How can I learn to just blow "fireballs" to impress my friends?
A: Please understand that this is one of the most common questions asked of Mephisto. Asking this question of a professional Fire-Eater is like asking David Copperfield to explain how to saw your mother in half, "to impress your friends." Just as anyone can learn the classic "sawing a woman in two" routine from many sources, so too could you learn to blow fire. However, Mephisto does NOT go around teaching this "trademark" effect, nor does he advocate or condone its practice or attempts by the untrained. The Human Volcano, or "Blow" (never called "fireballs" by the pros), is not only spectacular and awe-inspiring, but is also one of the most dangerous and most-often botched of all the fire stunts. It is also the one that leaves the most horribly disfiguring burns, and has been responsible for the largest number of would-be Fire-Eaters losing their nerve entirely. To do this properly, and with the least risk to yourself and others requires training, practice, and patience. It is NOT something just anyone can do after a few brief words. Some of the professionals simply refuse to do it. The few seconds of brilliance and glory are not worth the risk of a lifetime of burn scars.
Where can I find a good "Fire-Eaters' school"?
A: At the time of this writing, one "school" that comes to mind is the Spice Group in the UK, which is more of a "personal-growth workshop" than a school for performers. In the United States and elsewhere, fire eating is sometimes taught as part of the circus arts school at Coney Island in New York, and at a few other informal circus and sideshow arts schools. Having no personal experience with them, Mephisto can in no way endorse or otherwise sanction any of these groups. You may find a few individuals who are willing to share their knowledge. But just how much knowledge they may have, and how much they would be willing to share is questionable. Generally, the professionals are wary of taking anyone "under their wing." You would first need to convince such a person of your sincerity and seriousness in learning the craft, and assure them that you are not simply "looking for kicks." These people take their work seriously, and have no wish to be responsible for the injury, disfigurement, or even death, of amateurs. Mephisto himself has been considering the creation of such a "school" in the United States. This is still in basic planning stages, and if established, it will be announced on this site.
Where do you get the fuel for "cold fires"?
A: You don't. -There seems to be a real misconception among the viewing public that the flames Fire-Eaters use are not really hot enough to burn. Any flame, from any source, is HOT, and will burn. As a general rule, the choice of fuel is based on brilliance, tendency to smoke, ease of ignition, and other factors -NOT on relative temperatures. In a laboratory setting, with precise instruments, slight differences in burning temperatures of different fuels can be measured. But for all practical purposes to the Fire-Eater, these differences are not worth considering.
How do I keep from burning my mouth?
A: First, understand and accept that sooner or later you WILL get burned -inside as well as outside. The aim is to at all times attempt to avoid or minimize those burns. The only two ways of doing this inside the mouth are breath-control, and saliva. You must always keep your mouth and lips wet with saliva. This does not mean you need to be blowing bubbles and drooling spittle all over, but you must keep up enough wetness to offer a degree of insulation. Practice will tell you how much is enough, without going overboard. You must also know when to draw air in, when to breath outward, and when to hold your breath. Notice, the key word here is draw in, NOT inhale. There are definitely times when it is desirable to draw in both air and flame, as you would draw in a puff of cigarette smoke, but NEVER inhale. Proper breath control will depend on the specific fire stunt being attempted, and the effects desired. Again, only practice can tell you how much of each is enough.
Don't the professionals have some "insert" to put in their mouth, or some chemical to coat their mouth and hands with?
A: Professional fire-eating is NOT a stage magic act, nor is it a Hollywood stunt show. The true professional Fire-Eater does not rely on gimmicks, except as an added enhancement in certain special situations (such as background stage fireworks or gas-jets among the props). Some spectators make the wild assumption that "He coats his mouth with Vaseline..." -If you could get Vaseline(c) to stick inside your mouth, it would pose an even greater burn-danger, since it would absorb heat and hold it there, rather than blocking the heat, as the uninitiated assume. Any chemicals that would provide a degree of fire or heat retardency would also pose a health risk themselves. Because a professional Fire-Eater generally works in close proximity to the audience, any of the commercially available skin-coatings used for Hollywood-type stunt work would be noticeable, and brand such a performer as a fake.
I'd like to set up, or join, a competition to see who can
blow the longest/biggest flame.
How would I set it up, or go about
joining a sanctioned competition?
A: Unlike juggling, magic, music, or sports, there are currently few fire-eating competitions. Fire-eating has even been dropped as a category in the Guinness Book of World Records. Mephisto does not encourage or condone competitions of fire-eating or fire-breathing per se. The "Blow", or Human Volcano, is just one part of a total performance, and any true competition would have to include a full performance routine. Like they say, size and length are secondary to technique and presentation. The size of your fire is pointless if you cannot entertain an audience. Without technique, ability alone is worthless. Furthermore, the bigger a flame you try for, the greater your risk of serious injury. You may as well play "chicken" on the railroad tracks, or Russian Roulette. You might compete with a couple of friends, and discover that the one person with the least stage-presence, or desire to be a performer, is actually the one who is able to blow the biggest, longest, most beautiful flame. But unless that person is willing and able to put that ability to good use, by mastering all the related techniques and skills, as well as showmanship, and actually do an entertaining performance, the effort and risks are wasted. The ability to break boards does not make one a karate master. Knowing a good card trick does not make one a magician. So also, blowing a flame is just one part of the entire field of being a Fire-Eater.
Where can I buy a good set of fire-eating torches?
A: Actually, fire-eating torches and props are generally not something you go out and buy. This is because every professional Fire-Eater has his/her own idea of what a good torch should be. You can buy juggling torches -or rather, flaming clubs- from juggling-supply firms. But these are not appropriate for fire-eating, for several reasons. They are too heavy, too large, and have exposed metal screws that would burn your lips and tongue. You can, however, obtain good wick material from these suppliers, in order to make your own torches. The best torches for you are your own hand-made ones in the style and material that feels best to you. This is an individual matter, and you can learn all about the variations in torches in Mephisto's Hot Tips. In recent years, there has been a bit of a surge in websited dealing in fire-arts supplies. These items are mostly for spinning, twirling, and dancing, but they also carry lighter-weight torches for fire eating. Few of them meet with Mephisto's personal approval, and it is still stressed that the best can only be hand-made by the user.
What should I do if I accidentally spill some fuel?
A: This all depends on several factors: What kind of fuel; how much; where it was spilled; whether you are onstage or practicing alone; etc. Obviously, your main concern is losing control of the fire. If you spill a small amount of any type of fuel on the stage floor near you, it won't pose much of a risk. Something highly combustible like gasoline or naphtha could even be ignited there on the floor, and made a part of the show. Should you accidentally tip over a container of fuel, your first move should be to immediately extinguish any open flame you have at the moment. Quickly size up the situation. If possible, move yourself a safe distance from the spill and get on with your show. Your audience is not there to watch you mop up the floor. They deserve a show even after your accident. You should always have a means of smothering or extinguishing an out-of-control fire, especially if you know you tend to spill things. Should a quantity of spilled fuel actually ignite, and you feel it is threatening, by all means, stop whatever you are doing, put out the fire, then continue your performance. DO NOT PANIC. This can be tough, but if you are going to work with fire, you MUST remain in control at all times. Panic will cloud your judgment, and it can be contagious to the audience as well. ALWAYS fight the urge to panic, and THINK FAST! Should a sizable amount of any type of fuel spill on your costume or body, you must take appropriate steps immediately. If fuel spills on your pants leg, the best immediate solution is to be aware of it, and keep all fire away from your lower body until the fumes have had a chance to evaporate (This might even be for the duration of your show!). Should fuel get on your hair, face, neck, or arms, use a wet rag or towel (which you should have been foresighted enough to have available) and casually wipe it off before continuing your show. DO NOT ignore this, unless your intention is to present a "human cremation" performance! -This advice is for onstage in front of an audience. If you are practicing, and not onstage, then simply STOP whatever you are doing, douse all flames, and clean up. DO NOT continue your practice until all spills have been cleaned up and fumes evaporated. It is simply not worth the risks. Offstage, your own safety is of paramount importance. Onstage, the audience comes first, unless you are truly in immediate danger.
What should I do if I swallow some fuel?
A: This depends on two factors: What kind of fuel, and how much. You needn't worry too much about a few drops of any of the recommended fire-eating fuels. The Human Volcano normally uses approximately a half-shot of fuel. Should you somehow accidentally swallow the entire half-shot, your best bet is to get through your show as quickly as possible without ruining it for the audience. Then as soon as possible, drink down at least a full 6 or 7 ounce glass of whole milk. Buttermilk or half-and-half coffee cream are even better choices, if available. Milk helps neutralize the petroleum in your stomach, and cut down on the after-taste and heartburn. NEVER use oil of ipecac or anything to induce vomiting. This can cause the fumes, if not the fuel itself, to get into your lungs. Should you have any concerns that you have swallowed too much, then by all means, get to a hospital or call a poison-control center IMMEDIATELY. There is an old myth perpetuated that milk or buttermilk drunk before a performance will "line your stomach" and render you immune to the effects of swallowed petroleum products. This is false, of course, but it definitely does cut down on the after-effects. Alcoholic drinks will do nothing but "cover the pain".
What if I do get burned?
A: Getting burned is not a question of "what if," but rather, "when." Professional Fire-Eaters are NOT some sort of masochists who welcome pain and burns. We simply accept it as an "occupational hazard." Your first few burns, regardless of how serious or minor, will be a frightening experience -for you, as well as your friends and family. If you do continue with fire-eating for any length of time, you will soon lose count of the number of times you have been burned. Depending on the frequency and severity of your work with fire, you may often get new burns on top of recent, unhealed burns. Fortunately, unless you are extremely careless or accident-prone, the majority of those burns will be minor. Most minor burns inside the mouth will heal themselves without treatment of any kind, within a week or so. Burn ointments, obviously, cannot be used in the mouth, but if you feel you must do something, there are commercial preparations -such as Ora-jel(c), or Chloraseptic(c) spray- which will help take away some of the discomfort. For minor burns on the lips, cold-sore remedies and lip-salves will help. Minor burns anywhere else (except near the eyes) may be treated with any of the commercial burn ointments or sprays available. The best first aid of all is still the simplest -cold water, preferably in a washcloth. Ice should only be applied inside a washcloth. Never apply ice directly to a burn. The idea is to cool it and stop the burn tissue from spreading, not compound the injury with frostbite. More serious burns, especially if anywhere near the eyes, should be checked by a doctor, paramedic, nurse, or other trained professional. With a little experience, you will know instinctively if your burns are serious enough to require medical attention. You must be the sole judge in this matter, unless you are wealthy enough, or have total medical insurance coverage, that hospital visits for every little burn do not tax you financially. Remember, too, NEVER apply butter or Vaseline(c) on a burn. The hospital nurses will bitch you out royally for that.
How long does it take to become a professional Fire-Eater?
A: Anyone can call themselves professional, even with no training or practical knowledge whatsoever. There are actually two different meanings to the word, "professional." One meaning is that the person considers this a commercial occupation -they make their living at it. The second meaning is that they strive to excel in their field, whether it is an occupation, or avocation (hobby). One can be professional in either sense of the word, or both. However, those who attempt the first without the second are doomed to disastrous failure somewhere down the road. You MUST strive for the second meaning of professionalism before you can hope for success in the first. As in any field of endeavor, even the long-time experts and masters feel they are still learning. No one ever "knows it all." With dedication and serious practice, it is possible to put together an acceptable performance within a few months from your first feeble attempts at fire-eating.
What are the essentials of being a true professional Fire-Eater?
A: As with any art, science, or field of endeavor, the true professional must thoroughly know and understand his/her subject. You need to know not only HOW to achieve a desired effect, but WHY it is done one way and not another. You must understand the capabilities and limitations of fire, and of the various mediums and fuels you would use. Basic first aid, and especially self-treatment of burns, is another plus. You should also be -or become- a fair quality actor/actress, since this IS a spectator-oriented performance. You need to learn and understand good stage-presence and the basics of acting. Simple stage techniques, such as always facing your audience, proper costuming, spoken lines (if used), etc., can mean the difference between a spectacular act and a total flop. Although a thorough understanding of fire is essential, it is NOT necessary to go overboard, and take some college-level course in physics, chemistry, science, or whatever. Such academics will not hurt. They may even help in their own ways. But it is really unnecessary to memorize the flash points and chemical names of all flammable fuels, chemical make-up of fireproofing preparations, and all such other related information. Personal experimentation of a basic nature will show you which fuels burn with the best flames for your purposes, which ones ignite the best, which torch materials last the longest and serve you best, etc... Numbers, formulas, and trivia are fine, but not really necessary here.
What sort of license or certification is required to be a professional Fire-Eater?
A: Although some communities will attempt to regulate a fire-eating performance, whether in public or at a private gathering, there is no certification or overall licensing of Fire-Eaters at the present time. In some areas, the fire marshal will try to make demands and requirements before allowing your show to go on. Some of these requirements include liability insurance (usually in the area of one million dollars), the hiring of off-duty firemen to stand watch, approved fire extinguishers on hand, and often a limit on the size and quantity of fuel containers used. Some communities have the ridiculous requirement that no more than a 6-ounce squirt-container of fuel may be used onstage. Whatever the requirements in a particular community, they generally must be met, if you wish to avoid heavy fines, sanctions, or time in Court. Sometimes, a particular community or fire marshal may have no objections to the performance you propose, but the hotel, auditorium, community-center, ballroom, or hall in which the event is to be held will have their own fears or outright paranoia. This is understandable, but frustrating and counter-productive to the professional Fire-Eater. But it is unfortunately something that must be faced and hopefully negotiated. Having your own liability insurance policy can often help you get around some of these barriers of paranoia. A million-dollar policy may cost anywhere from $20-$200 per year for coverage of your performances. Such policies are often made available to magicians' clubs, clown clubs, theatrical groups, and the like, at group rates.
(If you have additional fire-eating questions of general interest that you would like to see answered in this page, e-mail the Master. Mephisto reserves the right to edit or decline any questions submitted.)
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