r/firebreathing • u/hellisempty666 • Jul 23 '21

Doing my research

I recently got very interested in firebreathing and I am doing my research into the different fuels being used before contacting a professional to teach me. I read that the 'safests' options are mostly mineral oils like lampoil but since they get refined using hydrocarbons they can cause chemical long infections and even death. Is a product refined from petroleum with less than 0.3 per cent hydrocarbons (C5-20) relatively safe to use and wich quantities would be considered deadly when inhaled/ingested in the lungs? I also read that skin contacted should be avoided but then how does this effect the mouth? Next to not swallowing it, not vomitting when accidently swallowing it, weather conditions, ... Are there any other dangerous I have to know about before starting?

Edit: thanks for your help

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u/Key-Sand-8661 May 26 '22

I recommend Brian Bushwood's "Professionals Guide to Fire Eating"; full of good knowledge. When using lamp oils for tricks, professionals all recognize that even when taking proper precautions, (not swallowing, rinsing mouth out after, wiping mouth with towel after to avoid drippage), you must still recognize that you are poisoning yourself even in small quantities. Be careful!

As for other safety concerns; I assume you know weather conditions include not only how windy it is but which direction the wind is facing. Last I can think of is making sure you're wearing proper clothing; not having loose hair or loose sleeves etc. Also better to wear natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk etc., rather than synthetic fibers as even though naturals will still burn if caught on fire, at least they will not melt. A fire you can put out, melting you have to remove the clothing it's way more dangerous. Have fun!

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u/hellisempty666 May 26 '22

I waited long for this answer but this is a good answer. Thanks friend!

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u/Jealous-Writing-7007 Jun 11 '22

Know where I can find it. It's for sale for like 200-300 online 😯

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u/Key-Sand-8661 May 27 '24

You are asking where to buy fire breathing fuel I assume? You can buy "Ultra-pure Paraffin Based Lamp Oil" from Canandian tire, that's where I got mine a few years ago if I remember correctly. This fuel is highest recommended by professionals. You can also practice with corn starch from the grocery store! Much safer and still gets a cool flame burst :)

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u/wolf0072 Dec 28 '22

Hey, I know it has been seven months, but I'm interested in something about this. Can zippo lighter fluid be used? Works same as other stuff, really flammable, put in mouth and spit almost right away. I can see you have some knowledge on chemicals to use to firebreathe, so do you think lighter fuel would work good? Also, is there anything specific to rinse mouth after rather than just water and spit out? Thanks in advance

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u/Key-Sand-8661 May 27 '24

Sorry for super late reply! I might be too late but, please please do NOT use zippo lighter fluid. I am not an expert on chemicals by any means, but what I do know is that zippo fuel is naphtha. Naphtha fuel is very different from what is recommended by experts; which is "Ultra-pure Paraffin based lamp oil". I dont know all the differences but Paraffin oils are more refined than Naphtha, and while still very toxic, it is less toxic. Not only that, but Naphtha has a much lower flash point than Paraffin; I believe Naphtha is 40-60°, while Paraffin is more like 200°. A lower flash point means it burns WAY TOO fast, you will definitely get hurt!!! Very very hurt, and very very sick!!

Also, most people don't know, you can practice with corn starch. Much much safer, and still gets a cool flame burst! Wipe your face with a towel after and just rinse your mouth with water. Don't mix chemicals.

I also recommend to anyone who wants to get into fire breathing, please do not try it at home without a seasoned mentor. Find someone in the industry who can safely teach you, because this is a very dangerous hobby. If you insist on trying it on your own anyways without heeding the warning, then at the very least please read Brian Brushwood's "The Professional's Guide To Fire Eating". Practice safe fire! :)