Flame special effects and flame performers are distinct categories under the Event Safety Guide’s pyrotechnics framework, each governed by NFPA 160 (Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience). A flame effect is a fixed or automated combustion system; a flame performer is a person who uses fire as part of their performance. Both categories require pre-event design plans, written operational procedures, operator qualification documentation, fuel storage controls, and specific fire suppression resources. Because these elements involve open combustion in proximity to audiences, scenery, and performers, the documentation and operational requirements are detailed and mandatory rather than advisory.

Flame Effect Design Plan Requirements

When flame special effects will be used, a design plan must be incorporated into the event operations plan and submitted in writing (Event Safety Alliance, 2013). The design plan must address weather monitoring: define the conditions that will require specific actions up to and including termination of the effects, and include a weather forecast report for outdoor events. For indoor performances, ventilation options must be identified along with HVAC/detector adjustment and fire-watch procedures.

A site plan drawn to scale must be developed that indicates: the location of all effects; operator control areas; restricted zones; the area affected by each flame effect including identification of materials requiring flame retardant treatment; proximity sensors or security monitoring provisions; audience proximity; animal proximity (where relevant); performer and cast member proximity to each effect; storage locations for flammable and combustible liquids or gases; location and construction specifications of flammable materials, piping, and accumulators; prevailing wind direction for outdoor events; means of egress; and the location and type of firefighting equipment (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

The design plan must include: a list and description of each effect, including size, location, fuel load, and maximum height, width, and BTU of all flame effects with the flame effect group identified per NFPA 160; a description of safety control mechanisms, emergency control devices, and means of activation; Safety Data Sheets for all products; descriptions of any pre-engineered manufacturer devices with contact information; and documentation of professional engineer inspection for any flame effects manufactured by the operator, confirming review of all fuel system components, materials, and design per applicable NFPA standards and local fire codes (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Flame Effect Written Procedures

The following written procedures and documents must be developed and maintained for any event using flame special effects: pre-show and start-up safety reviews with supporting documentation forms; a show operations manual with documentation for show performance and process verification, identifying the sequence of effects within the performance; emergency procedures including a fire hazard evaluation for permanent installations; normal and emergency shutdown procedures; maintenance schedules for all equipment; a copy of all inspection and operational test records; and a schematic and detailed drawing of all special effects including electronic controls, valves, hoses, piping, fuel control mechanisms, accumulators, pressure gauges, and proximity devices (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Flame Effect Operator Qualifications

The flame effect operator must submit detailed documentation of qualifications and experience for all operators, crew members, designers, and fabricators. Required documentation includes: company name, address, and contact information; commercial general liability insurance with an appropriate endorsement for pyrotechnics of at least $5 million, plus workers’ compensation coverage; a history of past shows that can be thoroughly vetted, including a description of any incidents involving flame effects in which someone was injured or killed; licenses or certifications held in any state or country; résumés for every person working on the event who will manage any portion of the flame effect operation, confirming that all flame effect operators are at least 21 years of age; and review by event management of all documentation prior to submission to the AHJ for permitting (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Fuel Storage and Flame Retardant Treatment

All flammable and combustible liquids not connected for use must be stored in holding areas designed and maintained in accordance with applicable NFPA and local fire codes, properly labeled, and stored in locked and secured areas. Documentation must be developed and maintained confirming that all affected combustible set, scenery, and rigging materials have been treated with flame retardant materials, and that all flame special effects devices are properly secured to noncombustible materials (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Emergency Stop System Requirements

All effects must have an emergency stop system capable of shutting down the flame effects system and bringing it to a zero energy state, meaning all ignition sources are unpowered and detached from their fuel sources. This requires: removal of power to all gas valves; removal of power to ignition devices; and operator action to acknowledge the cause and reset the system before resuming (Event Safety Alliance, 2013). The zero energy state requirement ensures that the emergency stop is a true safety interlock rather than a partial shutdown that leaves residual hazard potential.

Technical System Requirements for Flame Effects

The ESG identifies specific technical requirements drawn from NFPA standards and applicable to flame effect systems. All control mechanisms including valves, sensors, and switches must be designed and located to prevent tampering and accidental firing or fuel release. Each special effect must be provided with a means of primary lockout that interrupts both fuel supply and control energy. All burners must be equipped with a listed automatic ignition device or flame safeguard that supervises ignition; flame failure response time must not exceed four seconds. Ignition of the device or pilot must be proven before attempting to light a burner. Gaseous flame effects must maintain system pressure at one and one-half times the maximum operating pressure for a period of 24 hours; with the complete system in place, all piping, accumulator valves, and hoses must pass a pressure test of one and one-half times design pressure with an inert gas, with no observable pressure loss within 24 hours at atmospheric temperature and pressure (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

For temporary flame effect installations, at least two pressurized water 2-A fire extinguishers and two 10-BC fire extinguishers must be provided in the venue in addition to those required by NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers) for the facility. This is a supplemental requirement, not a substitution for the facility’s existing fire protection.

Flame Performer Design Plan

When a flame performer will be used, a design plan with requirements parallel to those for fixed flame effects must be incorporated into the event operations plan and submitted in writing. The site plan for flame performer operations must additionally indicate: the location and size of the flame performance area; the location for preparation of flame equipment; means of ignition and extinguishing of flame equipment; and the spin-out area with sufficient ventilation and security (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Flame Performer Written Procedures and Equipment

Written procedures for flame performer operations must address all the same categories as flame effects, with specific additions addressing the performance aspects of the work. For emergency fire suppression, at least four fire extinguishers (at least two pressurized water 2-A and two 10-BC) must be provided, placed so that at least one of each type is on each side of the performance area where flame effects are used. Suitable methods for extinguishing flame effect devices — including fire-retardant duvetyn and damp towels — must be readily accessible during the performance (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Performer Training and Substance Policy

All performers, support personnel, and non-participants exposed to flame effect hazards must be informed of those hazards by the operator and trained in emergency procedures. Persons under the influence of intoxicating beverages, narcotics, prescription drugs, or non-prescription drugs that could affect judgment, mobility, or stability are prohibited from participating in or being in any area associated with the flame performance. Written documentation should confirm that all operators, crew members, and flame performers have successfully passed drug testing under an accepted policy; while this is not required in all jurisdictions, it is a recommended best practice (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Pre- and Post-Show Requirements

The flame special effects operator must inspect and document all areas of the site where effects will be ignited before start-up and after shutdown. Following each performance, the hazard area and holding area must be thoroughly cleaned and a final walk-through performed to confirm the areas are clean. All automated life safety systems that were interrupted for the performance, such as smoke detectors or fire protection systems, must be restored to their pre-show condition immediately after the performance ends (Event Safety Alliance, 2013).

Conclusion

Flame effects and flame performers introduce sustained combustion into the event environment in proximity to audiences and production materials. The design plan, written procedures, operator qualification documentation, fuel storage controls, and emergency stop system requirements described in the applicable NFPA standards and the ESG are the technical foundation of safe flame effect operations. Each requirement exists because a failure in that area has caused or has the potential to cause injuries or fatalities; the zero energy state emergency stop requirement, the 24-hour pressure test requirement, and the flame retardant treatment documentation requirement each address specific failure modes with known consequences. These requirements are not negotiable options; they are the minimum standard of practice for competent flame effect operations at live events.

References

Event Safety Alliance. (2013). The event safety guide (version 1.1). ESA. https://eventsafetyalliance.org

National Fire Protection Association. (2011). NFPA 160: Standard for the use of flame effects before an audience. NFPA.

National Fire Protection Association. (2011). NFPA 1126: Standard for the use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience. NFPA.

National Fire Protection Association. (2021). NFPA 101: Life safety code. NFPA.

National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). NFPA 10: Standard for portable fire extinguishers. NFPA.