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Page Twenty
SOLVENTS:
A word of warning about using solvents for torch fuel or any other aspect of fire-eating...
Solvents are always a mixture of different components. These mixtures are formulated for a specific purpose, such as removing or thinning paint, powering a certain type of engine, cutting rust, or whatever. Not all the additives may be listed on the label. As if you are not already aware, fire-eating is dangerous to health and life even when using the purest fuels obtainable. Do not make it even more dangerous by using or experimenting with unknown compounds, or solvents. The personal risks are not worth it. Mixing your own formula, such as adding a bit of kerosene to your white gas torch fuel, is one thing; you know what you are mixing. Using solvents -especially in your mouth- is a whole other ball-game...
BLOW? -BLAST? -VOLCANO?
Fire-eating is one of those fields in which terminology has never actually been standardized or totally agreed upon. While some terms and labels are obvious and universally accepted, others can be a bit more controversial and confusing. The act of propelling a huge blast of fire from the mouth by means of sprayed liquid fuel is generally accepted by most as the "Human Volcano" or the "Blow." But some persist in calling it the "Blast," and many beginners and uninitiated will refer to it as "spitting fireballs," which has a very unprofessional and unappealing ring. Still others use the term "volcano" to refer to a simple breath of flame, or more specifically, the ignition of fumes breathed upwards with the head tilted back.
To add further to the confusion, you will sometimes see or hear "Human Volcano" used to refer to the fire-eater him/herself. But technically, a fire-eating performer who does not specialize in the "Blow" cannot properly be labeled a "Human Volcano." Then there are other terms for the fire-workers, such as "Fire-Breather," "Fire-Spitter," "Asbestos-Man/Woman," or "Human Salamander."
Although some fire-eaters like to use a title with "Pyro" in it, terms like pyrotechnics and pyroeffects belong to the realms of explosives and fireworks. The correct definition of pyro IS fire, but general association with explosives and fireworks cause this word to be confusing to the public if used to denote a fire-eater. Bottom line here: If you call yourself a "pyromaniac," you and I know what you mean, but the public sees that as a mad bomber -which today is a real no-no!
Some of the old-time fire-eaters had a little stunt of eating blazing fruits, such as raisins or a banana, dipped in alcohol, which they called the "Salamander's Dessert."
Jellyhead's "Wazzer" is actually a slight variation of the Poi, or Polynesian fire-chain, which is used for twirling, and really no more a part of fire-eating than juggling flaming clubs or fire-walking. The only relationship is that all of these DO involve fire, and together they can make for a pretty interesting and exciting display of fire-play.
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