Fire Poi Safety and Maintenance Guide
Fire can be dangerous, but when handled with care it can make for a spectacular spinning experience. Please read through the following guidelines before using fire equipment. Always ensure that your fire gear has been carefully checked prior to performing, all screws and joints must be secure, and chains must be checked for weaknesses or signs of excessive wear to prevent injury to yourself and others around you.
Checking fire chains is an important safety precaution; the last few links at each end of the chain are most prone to weakening over time. Do not spin your fire product if its chain shows damaged links, chain in good condition should consist of tight welded links without any breaks, the chain should not carry excessive rust or wear. Please note that chain does blacken close to the wick, this does not affect the integrity of the product.
Checking the wick is also essential, make sure that fire wicks are in good condition and fastened securely to the chain.
Fire Poi Maintenance
Keeping your fire props in top condition will ensure them a long life, and with that a longer burn time! Follow the guidelines below and you will be spinning your favourite kit for years to come:
Use the correct fuel! All fire wicks are intended for use with paraffin (lamp oil). Do not use petrol or other highly flammable fuel.
It is advised that fire wicks/fire heads are soaked in the fuel for about 10-15 hours prior to first burn, this will condition the Para-Aramid fibre resulting in a longer life span and burn time.
Soak your wick carefully. Decant your fuel into a half-litre metal container, such as an old paint tin, dip your wick slowly until no more air bubbles surface, this will ensure a good soaking. Spin the unlit wick to shake off excess fuel, ensuring the wick will not ‘drip flames’ when lit.
After spinning, extinguish wicks by covering with a thick rug to starve the flame of oxygen. Never extinguish in water, this will damage the wick. Once unlit, dipping the wick back into the fuel and leaving to dry will preserve the wick over time. Store in a cool, ventilated area.
Fire Safety Measures
Ignite away from face! A fairly obvious point but worth mentioning, light your soaked wicks in a safe place away from flammable items.
Keep your audience safe, a distance of at least 10 metres from the action is recommended.
Never spin indoors, unless fire professionals have given prior permission.
Practice spinning fire with others, if something goes wrong it can be swiftly resolved!
Avoid loose fitting clothes, as these can catch easily on a burning wick, also avoid synthetic materials as these can ignite quickly.
Tie back long hair, if you want to keep it!
Never use fire products under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keep fuel in a sealable container that is clearly labelled.
