I've been fire eating for years, but rarely perform it in my shows - mainly because I am concerned about triggering smoke detectors and fire alarms.

Does anyone have any information on how much smoke is required to set off these devices? Or any practical advice on eating fire indoors?

Thanks

Steve Seguin
London, ON

Indoors will likely rely on a couple factors, local laws, and ventilation, depending on the venue, it might not be allowed.

Check out the local laws first (fire is banned in most places) if that's the case, go with matches

High Ceilings! Saying that I used to do my fire routine in a venue where the roof was about six foot higher than my head, at the end of season I noticed the big black soot patch on the ceiling from my blasting! I got a mop and gave it eyes and a smile! Three years later its still there! either the club liked my so much it stays a testament to my fine performance or they really arn't bothered about cleaning! But yeah check you're local laws and fire procedures for the buildings you might me playing in!

If you go through the local fire hall, you can get special permission to fire alarm/sprinkler system shut off for a performance area. However this is time consuming and can be costly for a permit.

Cant you just not have the flame big.do you really need a permit for all this I want to use fire in my act and it doesn't seem to be a problem.mabey its jhust my fire laws oh well.

Magicguy 67, until you haave seen what "only a little fire" can do, especially one that uses a liquid fuel, in a venue that you do not own, it is hard to say "Sure" use a little flame and go for it.
The problem comes with questions about flammability of the objects in the location or venue you are performing at; fabrics, finishes, fuels. Also, if housekeeping is an issue in very high ceilings, then you may have a "Rafter fire" when the cobwebs catch!
If you have insurance, and choose not to get a permit, realize, you may NOT have insurance! as it may exclude those actions. OH! Did anyone mention the fines you might get hit with also if caught?

Fire is not to be trifled with, I admit to using a professional pyrotechnician for anything other than small bits of flashpaper- and I am a trained pyro crew person!

Your right I take back my syement.It all depends on whre you are like you said.

As long as they don't mind I use it. Of course they have to sign a LIABILITY agreement. That means they take responsibility and it won't cast me anything of course it would be bad for business if I did.