Expert: Scott Fitzpatrick - 11/1/2004

Question
Any prolonged use(that I don't wipe my face after each blow; is a wet towel the best to wipe with?) with it and my face skin gets slightly iritated and wll lightly peel within 2 days. Other than that, it works good. Recomendations? I'm in Portland Oregon and wonder if you know any groups in the area? Also, I heard that during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, during the Opening ceremonies, that a special mix was made/created for the fire-breathers, did you here anything of the sort?
 Thanks and have a great day

Answer
Hi, lots of stuff will burn when you blow it out of your mouth. Lighter fluid will certainly work. BUT... for your own sake dude, please don't use it.
There's the immediate risk of burning yourself inside-outwards, followed by the prolonged effects of the heavier chemicals used in the production of lighting fluid. So, in answer to your initial question - "How bad is charcoal/briquette lighter fluid for fire breathing use?" = REAL BAD !!!
I'm not suprised at all that your skin reacts badly to it. That's your body trying to tell you something !
Imagine what it's doing to your insides. Your mouth, gums, tounge etc absorb fluids very easily. Trust me, you are not doing yourself any favours !!

Kerosene is what you should be using. I use paraffin here in the UK (exactly the same stuff as kerosene) As far as I'm aware there is no safe liquid to use, but this is best out of all of them. You can blow fire for quite a while without having to wipe your face between blows. Just make sure you wipe yourself afterwards thorougly. Your face, neck, chest a towel is fine, wet or dry.

I don't know of any groups in your area. Try going to a festival, there are usually firebreathers who will be happy to share advice.

I didn't know that about the Olympics. If you manage to find any more out about that I'd love to know, perhaps you could mail me ?

Good luck, and take care.

Scott

oh - and STOP using lighter fluid !!!