Safety Spotting

A fire spotter is a dedicated person who watches the performer, the audience, and the environment during any fire performance. They do not perform — their sole job is vigilance and readiness to respond.

Core duties

• Watch for clothing, hair, or skin catching fire
• Monitor the audience perimeter for encroachment
• Call out hazards verbally ("hair!" or "left arm!")
• Maintain clear line of sight and stay within quick reach of safety equipment
• Extinguish props when the performer signals they are done
• Respond immediately if anyone or anything catches fire

Equipment checklist

• Fire blanket (duvetyne) — the primary tool. Smother flames by wrapping and cutting off oxygen.
• Wet towel — backup for smothering small flames
• Fire extinguisher — CO2 preferred (no residue). Do not aim directly at someone's face.
• First aid kit — burn gel, sterile gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, water
• Fuel dump bucket — metal container with tight lid for emergency fuel containment

Protocols

• Never spin fire alone — always have at least one spotter
• Brief the spotter before each session on props, fuel type, and the performance plan
• Establish verbal signals: "fire on" to start, "kill it" to extinguish
• Spotters position themselves upwind when possible
• Never stand between the performer and the audience
• At spin jams, rotate spotter duties so someone is always designated
• Spotters must be sober and alert