Venue Safety

Where you perform matters as much as how you perform. Indoor and outdoor venues have different risks and requirements.

Outdoor (preferred)

• Better ventilation for fuel fumes and smoke
• More space for audience distance
• Risks: wind can affect flame behavior, dry vegetation can ignite, fuel vapors pool in low areas
• Cancel or postpone in high wind, extreme heat, or drought conditions

Indoor (higher risk)

• Ceiling height — must be high enough that flames and heat do not reach ceiling materials. 5-6 meters minimum for most props.
• Ventilation — adequate airflow to disperse fuel combustion fumes. CO buildup is a serious risk.
• Flooring — porous surfaces (concrete) are safer. Non-porous surfaces (polished hardwood, laminate) are dangerous because fuel pools and is both slippery and flammable.
• Sprinklers — coordinate with the venue to avoid triggering sprinkler systems.

Audience distance

Minimum 5 meters between performers and audience. More for fire breathing and large flame effects. Use physical barriers (stanchions, rope lines) to maintain the perimeter.

Fire extinguisher types

• CO2 — preferred. No residue, effective on fuel fires.
• Dry chemical (ABC) — effective but leaves corrosive residue.
• Water-based — avoid for fuel fires. Water can spread burning fuel.

Checklist

• Clear emergency exits — never block with equipment or audience
• Brief all venue staff on the fire safety plan and evacuation routes
• Remove flammable materials from the performance area
• Have a written safety plan available for the fire marshal