Fire safety & shared responsibility

Floasis takes a practical, community-first approach to fire safety.

We want fire spaces to be welcoming, creative and exciting, but we do not treat fire casually. Every fire activity should have clear expectations before anyone lights up.

Our approach is built around seven principles:

1. Plan before lighting up The performance area, fuel area, audience boundary, emergency access, safety equipment and roles should be understood before fire is introduced. 2. Separate fuel, fire and audience Fuel areas should be controlled, supervised and kept away from ignition sources and public traffic. 3. Use trained safeties Fire performers should not light up without a capable safety or spotter actively watching them. 4. Check tools before use Props, wicks, fasteners, chains, grips and handles should be inspected before lighting. 5. Respect the venue and conditions Fire performance must suit the space. Wind, vegetation, flooring, ceiling height, exits, alarms, suppression systems, crowd behaviour and site rules all matter. 6. Stay sober and alert Fire performance requires clear judgement. Performers, safeties and fuel-area crew should not be impaired. 7. Know when to stop If conditions change, equipment fails, the crowd becomes unsafe, a performer is not ready, or the fuel area cannot be controlled, the fire activity should pause or stop.

Performers

Use this page to understand what Floasis expects before you join a fire circle, perform at an event, or support another performer.

Safeties and volunteers

Use this page to understand the role of fire safeties, fuel-area assistants, crowd boundary support and first-response helpers.

Event organisers

Use this page to understand what Floasis needs before agreeing to support fire performance at an event.

Community members

Use this page to understand why some areas are restricted, why fuel areas are controlled, and why safeties may ask people to move back.

Fire performance is a controlled risk

Fire performance involves flame, fuel, heat, moving props, performers, audience proximity and changing environmental conditions.

The goal of a fire safety system is not to pretend that risk does not exist. The goal is to identify the risks early, put controls in place, and make sure the people involved know what to do if something goes wrong.

No solo fire

Floasis does not support unsupervised fire performance in community settings.

A performer should not light up unless:

• a safety or spotter is actively watching them
• the performance area is clear
• the fuel area is controlled
• suitable extinguishing equipment is ready
• the performer is comfortable with the prop and routine
• emergency access is not blocked
• the site conditions are suitable

No new moves while lit

Fire is not the time to test a trick for the first time.

Performers should only light moves, sequences and transitions they can already perform confidently without fire. New tricks should be practised unlit first, then assessed before being added to a fire routine.

No impairment

Performers, safeties and fuel-area assistants must be sober, alert and capable of responding quickly.

Alcohol, recreational drugs, some prescription medications, fatigue and distraction can affect judgement, balance, coordination, communication and reaction time.

If someone is impaired, they should not perform, safety, fuel, or supervise a fire activity.

Performer

The performer is responsible for their own prop, routine, fuel load, costume, body awareness and decision to light up.

Before lighting, a performer should be able to answer:

• What prop am I using?
• Is it in good condition?
• What fuel has been used?
• Has excess fuel been removed?
• Where is my safety?
• Where is the audience boundary?
• Where is the fuel area?
• Where do I extinguish my prop?
• What is my exit path?
• What do I do if I hit myself, drop the prop, tangle, or spot a hazard?

Fire safety / spotter

A fire safety or spotter is not a passive observer. Their job is to actively watch the performer and respond to hazards.

A safety may need to:

• warn the performer
• extinguish a prop
• help untangle a prop
• stop an unsafe light-up
• move people back from the boundary
• watch for dropped wicks or thrown props
• respond if clothing, hair, ground, props or nearby objects catch fire
• call for help
• direct the performer to stop

A safety should be close enough to respond quickly, but not so close that they interfere with the performer's movement.

Fuel-area assistant

The fuel-area assistant helps keep fuel handling controlled.

Their responsibilities may include:

• keeping the fuelling area supervised
• keeping ignition sources away from fuel
• ensuring containers are closed when not in use
• making sure no smoking or vaping occurs near fuel
• helping performers fuel and spin off safely
• preventing public access to the fuel area
• keeping spill-control materials available
• escalating spills, leaks or unsafe behaviour

Event organiser

The event organiser or site lead is responsible for confirming whether fire performance is suitable for the event.

Before fire is approved, organisers should confirm:

• venue permission
• landowner permission
• local authority requirements
• event permit requirements
• insurance requirements
• emergency access
• fire bans or local restrictions
• weather and wind conditions
• audience layout
• crowd control
• first aid arrangements
• emergency communication process
• pack-down and clean-up expectations

What Floasis needs before approving fire performance

Before Floasis supports fire at an event, we need enough information to assess whether fire performance is suitable.

### Event details

• Event name
• Event date
• Event location
• Indoor or outdoor venue
• Public, private, ticketed or community event
• Expected attendance
• Audience age range
• Alcohol or bar service
• Event operating hours
• Proposed fire performance times
• Site contact on the day

### Venue details

• Site map or floor plan
• Performance area location
• Fuel area location
• Performer entry and exit paths
• Audience boundary
• Emergency exits
• Vehicle and ambulance access
• Nearby structures, decorations, vegetation or overhead hazards
• Flooring or ground surface
• Wind exposure
• Fire alarms, smoke detectors or suppression systems
• Any venue restrictions on open flame, smoke, haze, fuel or pyrotechnics

### Fire activity details

• Number of performers
• Types of props
• Type of fuel proposed
• Whether fire breathing is proposed
• Whether on-stage fuel is proposed
• Whether audience interaction is proposed
• Whether roving fire performance is proposed
• Whether the act is choreographed or freestyle
• Number of safeties
• Fire extinguishers and blankets available
• First aid arrangements

### Permissions and controls

• Venue approval
• Landowner approval
• Local government or fire authority requirements
• Insurance requirements
• Total Fire Ban and fire danger checks
• Dangerous goods storage and handling considerations
• Emergency response plan
• Incident reporting process

Fire performance may be declined

Floasis may decline, pause or cancel fire activity if:

• permissions are unclear
• the venue is unsuitable
• the weather is unsafe
• a Total Fire Ban or local restriction applies
• the fuel area cannot be controlled
• the audience boundary cannot be maintained
• there are not enough safeties
• performers are impaired
• props are unsafe
• the act has not been rehearsed
• first aid or emergency access is inadequate
• the event conditions change

This is not a judgement on the performer or organiser. It is part of responsible fire practice.

Before you perform

Performers should arrive with enough time to:

• check in with the Floasis fire lead
• inspect the performance area
• confirm the fuel process
• identify safeties
• check props
• confirm emergency signals
• warm up
• ask questions
• understand site-specific rules

Do not arrive at the last minute and expect to light up immediately.

Prop checks

Before lighting, inspect your prop.

Check for:

• loose bolts, screws, nuts or fasteners
• wick movement or wick breakdown
• frayed grips
• weak chains, swivels or connectors
• cracked handles or shafts
• exposed sharp edges
• damaged silicone, tape or grip material
• fuel leaks or residue in the wrong places
• anything that feels different from normal

If a prop does not feel right, do not light it.

Costume and hair

Fire clothing should be selected with heat, movement and entanglement in mind.

Avoid:

• loose dangling sleeves
• loose scarves or accessories
• synthetic fabrics that may melt
• fluffy, furry or highly flammable materials
• long loose hair near flame
• costumes you have not rehearsed in

Prefer:

• fitted clothing
• natural fibres in tighter weaves
• leather, denim, cotton or wool where suitable
• tied-back or covered hair
• footwear that protects the feet and stays secure

Unconfirmed — review required Floasis may need a separate costume policy for staged fire acts, fire circles and casual community practice.

Performer conduct

Performers should:

• follow the fire lead's instructions
• respect the safety boundary
• listen to safeties
• avoid lighting without approval
• avoid crowding other performers
• avoid pressuring others to light up
• stop if asked
• report incidents, near misses or unsafe equipment
• help leave the site clean

Performers should not:

• perform while impaired
• light up alone
• use unapproved fuel
• move wet wicks through a crowd
• bring public members into the fire area without approval
• perform outside the agreed area
• ignore a safety call
• treat fuel casually

Fuel is controlled

Fuel is one of the highest-risk parts of fire performance. A beautiful burn can turn dangerous quickly if fuel is handled poorly.

Floasis fire activities should use a clear fuelling process:

1. Fuel only in the designated fuelling area. 2. Keep the fuelling area separate from the audience. 3. Keep ignition sources away from fuel. 4. Close fuel containers when not in use. 5. Spin off excess fuel in the designated spin-off area. 6. Do not carry wet props through the audience. 7. Clean spills immediately. 8. Keep fuel under supervision. 9. Pack down and remove fuel safely after the session.

Approved fuels

Unconfirmed — review required For Floasis events, approved fuels should be listed here once confirmed by the fire safety lead.

Current project-context placeholder:

• Unconfirmed — review required ShellSol D60
• Unconfirmed — review required Isopar G

Each approved fuel should have:

• product name
• supplier
• Safety Data Sheet
• flash point
• intended use
• storage requirements
• spill response
• first-aid notes
• disposal process
• event-specific approval status

Prohibited fuels

Unconfirmed — review required The following fuels were previously noted in Floasis project context as not allowed for Floasis fire performance. Confirm before publishing:

• petrol
• white gas
• ethanol
• methanol
• kerosene

The final public page should only list prohibited fuels after Floasis confirms its official event policy.

Safety Data Sheets

A Safety Data Sheet, or SDS, provides information about a chemical or fuel, including hazards, handling, storage, first aid, firefighting measures and spill response.

Floasis should keep SDS documents available for fuels used at events.

Performers and fuel-area assistants should know where the SDS information is stored and who to escalate to if there is a spill, exposure, ingestion, eye contact or other fuel-related incident.

No smoking or vaping near fuel

Smoking, vaping, lighters, sparks and open flame must be kept away from the fuel area.

"No smoking" signage should be visible near the fuel zone where practical.

Spin-off

Excess fuel should be removed before lighting.

Spin-off should happen in a controlled area away from the audience, away from ignition sources, and away from surfaces where residue could create a slip hazard.

Spin-off residue should be managed and cleaned up as part of pack-down.

The fire area

The fire area should be clearly understood before the first light-up.

A safe fire area considers:

• performer movement
• prop length and trajectory
• audience position
• wind direction
• surface type
• trip hazards
• lighting
• nearby vegetation
• nearby structures
• overhead hazards
• emergency exit paths
• safety and extinguisher positions
• fuel area separation

Audience boundary

The audience should know where they can and cannot stand.

Boundaries may use:

• cones
• rope
• signage
• chalk
• fencing
• crew or guards
• clear verbal briefing

The required boundary depends on the act, prop type, audience behaviour, venue and site conditions.

If the crowd cannot be kept clear, the fire activity should pause.

Indoor fire

Indoor fire performance needs additional review.

Before indoor fire is considered, confirm:

• venue approval
• ceiling height
• ventilation
• fire alarms and smoke detection
• suppression systems
• flooring
• drapes and decor
• emergency exits
• smoke or fume impact
• local authority requirements
• insurer requirements
• whether the act is suitable indoors at all

Unconfirmed — review required Floasis should decide whether indoor fire performance is allowed under its own policy, and under what conditions.

Outdoor fire

Outdoor fire still needs controls.

Before outdoor fire is approved, check:

• wind
• vegetation
• dry grass or leaf litter
• overhead branches
• fire danger rating
• Total Fire Ban status
• local restrictions
• ground surface
• emergency vehicle access
• water access
• extinguisher locations
• crowd movement
• fuel area protection

If the site is dry, windy or hard to control, do not assume it is safe just because it is outdoors.

Minimum equipment

Unconfirmed — review required Final equipment requirements should be set by Floasis and adjusted for each event.

A basic fire-performance safety kit may include:

• fire blankets
• damp cotton or wool towels
• suitable fire extinguishers
• first aid kit
• burn dressings
• clean running water or water supply
• fuel spill kit
• gloves
• torch or headlamp
• cones or boundary markers
• "No smoking" signs
• communication device
• incident report form

Fire blankets

Fire blankets can be used to smother small fires and may be useful for responding to clothing or prop-related incidents when used by trained people.

Fire blankets must be:

• accessible
• visible
• suitable for the intended use
• checked before the event
• handled by people who know how to deploy them

Unconfirmed — review required Add Floasis Fire Blanket Comparison resource here once uploaded to the site.

Suggested button text:

Download fire blanket comparison

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be suitable for the hazards present and positioned where trained people can access them.

Do not rely on venue extinguishers alone unless the venue and fire lead have confirmed that this is appropriate.

People expected to use extinguishers should know:

• where they are
• what type they are
• what class of fire they are suitable for
• when to use them
• when not to use them
• when to evacuate instead

First aid

A first aid kit should be available at every fire activity.

For planned events, Floasis should confirm:

• who is first-aid trained
• where the first aid kit is
• where burn treatment supplies are
• how to access clean running water
• how to call emergency services
• how emergency services will access the site
• who will meet emergency services at the entrance

In an emergency

If someone is seriously burned, if clothing is on fire, if the airway may be affected, or if there is any doubt about severity, call 000.

Immediate burn first aid

For burns and scalds:

1. Follow DRSABCD. 2. Move the person away from danger if it is safe to do so. 3. Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. 4. Remove jewellery or tight clothing near the burn unless it is stuck to the skin. 5. Cover the burn with a light, loose, non-stick dressing. 6. Keep the person warm. 7. Monitor for shock. 8. Seek medical help where needed.

Do not:

• use ice
• apply butter, oil or random creams
• pop blisters
• remove clothing stuck to the skin
• delay cooling the burn while looking for dressings

If clothing catches fire

If clothing catches fire:

1. Alert the person. 2. Tell them to stop, drop and roll. 3. Use a fire blanket, damp towel or appropriate extinguisher if needed and safe. 4. Once the fire is out, cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes. 5. Call 000 for serious burns, airway involvement, major pain, shock, large burns, face burns, hand burns, genital burns, or if there is any doubt.

Report all burns and near misses

Even small burns, fuel spills, prop failures and near misses should be reported to the Floasis fire lead.

Reporting helps improve the system before a more serious incident occurs.

Floasis fire activity must consider current local restrictions.

Before any outdoor fire activity, check:

• Total Fire Ban status
• fire danger rating
• local government burning restrictions
• venue restrictions
• landowner instructions
• event permit conditions

If a Total Fire Ban or local restriction applies, fire activity must not proceed unless the activity has a valid exemption or written approval from the relevant authority.

Unconfirmed — review required Add a live or manual link to Emergency WA / DFES fire ban information.

Suggested button text:

Check current fire restrictions

Unconfirmed — review required This section should be reviewed and approved before publishing as official Floasis policy.

At Floasis fire circles:

• Check in before lighting up.
• Use only approved fuels.
• Fuel only in the designated area.
• Spin off before lighting.
• Do not light up without a safety.
• Do not enter another performer's space without consent.
• Do not bring public spectators into the fire area.
• Do not perform while impaired.
• Keep props and bags out of walkways.
• Listen to the fire lead and safeties.
• Stop immediately if asked.
• Report incidents, near misses and damaged equipment.
• Help clean up after the burn.

For new fire performers

Fire is not the starting point. Fire is something you add after you already have control.

Before your first fire spin, you should:

• practise unlit
• understand your prop
• understand your fuel
• have an experienced person support you
• use a controlled space
• have a safety watching you
• start simple
• avoid new tricks
• know how to stop
• know what to do if something goes wrong

If you are new, tell the fire lead. Asking for help is the right move.

For safeties

A good safety is calm, attentive and ready.

Before safetying, confirm:

• who you are watching
• what prop they are using
• where they may move
• where the fuel area is
• where the audience boundary is
• where extinguishing equipment is
• how to communicate with the performer
• when to step in
• who is leading emergency response

While safetying:

• watch the performer, not the show
• stay alert
• keep your equipment ready
• scan for clothing, hair, wick and crowd hazards
• communicate clearly
• act early if something is unsafe

For audience members

Fire performance works best when the audience respects the safety space.

Please:

• stay behind the marked boundary
• do not enter the fire area
• do not touch props, fuel or equipment
• keep children supervised
• follow instructions from Floasis crew
• avoid smoking or vaping near fuel areas
• tell a crew member if you notice a hazard

If a safety asks you to move back, they are not trying to spoil the fun. They are keeping the space safe.

Venue

• Is fire performance allowed at this venue?
• Is there written venue approval?
• Is the performance indoors or outdoors?
• Are ceiling height, ventilation, flooring, exits and fire systems suitable?
• Are there nearby drapes, decor, props, structures or vegetation?
• Are emergency exits clear?
• Is emergency vehicle access clear?

Performance area

• Is the fire area clearly defined?
• Is the audience boundary clear?
• Is the surface safe and free from trip hazards?
• Is the area clear of flammable material?
• Is there enough space for each prop type?
• Is there a clear performer entry and exit path?
• Is there a designated extinguishing location?

Fuel area

• Is there a designated fuelling area?
• Is the fuel area separated from the audience?
• Is the fuel area supervised?
• Are containers sealed when not in use?
• Is there no smoking or vaping nearby?
• Is there a spill response process?
• Are SDS documents available?

Equipment

• Have props been checked?
• Are wicks secure?
• Are fasteners, grips, chains and handles sound?
• Are fire blankets accessible?
• Are extinguishers suitable and accessible?
• Is first aid available?
• Is clean running water available?

People

• Is there a fire lead?
• Are there enough safeties?
• Are safeties briefed?
• Are performers sober and fit to perform?
• Are performers using approved props and fuel?
• Does everyone understand the stop signal?
• Is there a communication method?

Emergency plan

• Who calls 000?
• Who meets emergency services?
• Where is the nearest vehicle access?
• Where is the first aid kit?
• Where is clean running water?
• How will the crowd be moved if needed?
• How will an incident be recorded?

Pack-down

• Are props extinguished and cooled?
• Are fuel containers sealed?
• Are spills cleaned?
• Is fuel removed or stored correctly?
• Is the fire area checked?
• Is the venue left clean?
• Were incidents or near misses recorded?

Fire performance involves real risk. Floasis safety resources are provided to support better planning and safer community practice, but they do not replace training, professional advice, medical advice, venue rules, permits, local laws, emergency services advice, SDS documents, insurance requirements or approval from the relevant authority.

If there is an emergency in Australia, call 000.