Fire effects how to

Ideas, advice, tips, and tricks for making installations of all sizes or making smaller pieces and jewelry.
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Gearrob
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Fire effects how to

Post by Gearrob » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:09 am

I've been reading the "is burning man still dangerous" thread and thinking about a couple of projects I'd like to bring to BM. It's brought up a couple of questions for me that I didn't have much luck with in a search.

1) I see a lot of references to really sophisticated fuel systems in fire installations- automatic shutoffs, electronically controlled valve systems etc. Does anyone have any suggestions where to start researching more advanced pyrotechnics?

2) One of the things I've been doing in my art business has been making propane fire pits for patio use (supported by steel sculptural elements). The propane system is about as sophist aced as your average backyard BBQ and the flames are only slightly larger. I was thinking that I'd like to bring one to set up at my camp where I could keep an eye on it. I'm getting the impression that this might be utterly and completely against the rules. Is there a way to get a permit or what kind hoops dose it take?

Thanks
Robert
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phil
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Post by phil » Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:31 am

I'm sorry to say I can't offer specifics, only encouragement. Having fires in camps is permitted, I've see lots of 'fire barrels' in theme camps for example. The hoops are not onerous, so go for it. It sounds like you've got a very nice project, and I'd like to see it on the playa.

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Zoom
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Post by Zoom » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:09 pm

you can skim over my topic camp fires it is in the same forum as this thread. propane should not be a problem. i am keeping a fire extinguisher near it.
thank god for the powers that look out for us and guide us through this wild ride to find out that there is life afterwards.

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Gearrob
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Post by Gearrob » Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:34 pm

My bad. I'm sorry I missed the camp fire thread before I posted mine here. I did look. :oops:
The prevailing opinion on Zoom's thread makes it clear that just bringing it is a bad idea. So does that mean registering as a theme camp or registering the piece as an art installation? I had been playing with the idea of making the piece to have a spot where I could put a ceramic bust in the flames. After firing the bust for several hours it would be removed in a ceremony and broken open to reveal clay baked chicken. Of course when I was thinking of this I had in mind a dozen or so friends and neighbors coming for a dinner party rather than a big public spectacle which doesn’t seem particularly worthy of a theme camp. I do have a large canvas pavilion (16x20) to have said party/ceremony in.
Happiness or misery is a choice that's always available to us.

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Token
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The Rules

Post by Token » Sat Apr 01, 2006 12:10 pm

State of Nevada follows the NFPA 160 code.

http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/About ... DocNum=160

The 1998 draft is online at:

http://www.nafaa.org/nfpa160.htm

Nevada requires registration for Flame Effects and Fire Performance:

http://www.nafaa.org/nv_codes.html

Burningman Fire Pages

http://www.burningman.com/installations ... s_art.html

Ultimately, you have to follow the BurningMan guidlines for fire safety. It never hurts to have the Nevada State License either, which is basically a submitted form and $28.

FWIW, YMMV

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Gearrob
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Post by Gearrob » Sat Apr 01, 2006 6:49 pm

Cool!! Thanks for the info Token. That's just what I needed.
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geekster
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Post by geekster » Sat Apr 01, 2006 8:14 pm

The Flaming Lotus Girls do some awesome fire stuff. Their web page has a fire safety manual.

http://www.flaminglotus.com/

Fire Safety Manual for Flame Effects and Fire Performers

http://www.flaminglotus.com/pdfdocs/fir ... manual.pdf

If you haven't seen their work before, check out the documentary link on the website.
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Gearrob
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Post by Gearrob » Mon Apr 03, 2006 8:44 am

Hey thanks Geekster. I'd checked out their site before but got too lost in the amazing art they did and missed the fire safety manual. Lots of great info in it. Some day, when I grow up I wanta be like them!
I finaly got to reading the Theme camp registraition form and it does look like small and simple flames and camps are doable. From looking around I had been getting the impresion that the choice was to bring a huge extravangasa or be a tourist. Got my head back on straight now. Thanks everyone.
Robert
Happiness or misery is a choice that's always available to us.

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