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Fire Performance Fuels

This page is for your information and is not verified by Trick Concepts for accuracy or completeness. Trick Concepts does not intend this to be a safety manual. Keep in mind that the names for fuels may differ from region to region. For more specific information and safety warning, consult the MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheet). This is available from the supplier or manufacturer of the fuel and is available for free or nominal cost. Usually it is also available on the manufactures web site. We have provided links to MSDS sheets for some of the common fuels. The MSDS may vary by brand, so contact the supplier of the fuel you use.

FUELS

White Gas: Also known as Coleman Fuel, Naphtha, lighter fluid or Petroleum Ether, this hot, volatile fuel is popular because it is easy to ignite, burns brightly, evaporates cleanly, and does not leave a residue on wicks or bodies. However, it burns hot and quick, limiting the burn time, and potentially increasing the risk of burns. You must dip your wicks in white gas just before lighting up because it will evaporate away if left on for too long. To expedite lighting, white gas can also be added to a fire tool that was previously soaked with Kerosene or lamp oil just before lighting up. While white gas burns cleanly, the fumes emitted are toxic so be sure there is plenty of ventilation while burning.

MSDS for Coleman Fuel

Kerosene (Paraffin in many places outside the US): Also known as “Kero” or Jet fuel is a popular fuel due to its low cost and long burn time. Some performers do not like it because of its dim, smoky flame and slippery residue. A common fuel blend is made by using a 50/50 mix of white gas and kerosene, which offers some of the benefits of both. Kerosene is harder to light than white gas, but also harder to put out because has a lower oxygen requirement to keep burning.

International Chemical Safety Card for Kerosene

MSDS for Kerosene

Lamp Oil: Also known as liquid paraffin, lamp oil is a non-volatile fuel. It has many of the same properties as kerosene, including its long burn time and high flash point, but it produces less smoke. Lamp oil is available in different purities. Higher purity will have less smoke. Lamp oil is also convenient in that it evaporates slowly, allowing tools to be soaked a long time before they are going to be used. This makes it one of the most popular fuel choices. Lamp oil is fairly expensive and difficult to ignite alone; so, like kerosene, it is often mixed with white gas. Lamp oil in the Ultra Pure form is commonly used for fire breathing, but should not be considered safe. Formulations can vary by location and brand, so it is important to research any fuel you consider using for this purpose.

MSDS for Lamp Oil

Alcohol: Also known as denatured alcohol, mentholated spirits, methanol or Isopropyl. Alcohol based “fuels” are usually ethanol with methanol, acetone, gasoline (as in e85), or other denaturing agents added. The denaturing agents provide odor and toxicity to discourage consumption of the fuel, and may lower the cost and adjust burning and vaporization properties for industrial reasons. Denatured alcohols can be up to 95% ethanol, or as little as 50%. Methanol is typically used for racing fuel, ethanol is pure drinking alcohol (and a gasoline additive) and Isopropyl is what you use to clean out your cuts with. Some alcohols, especially Isopropyl are reduced with water to reduce their flammability, which make for a poor choice for fire performance. Alcohol evaporates rapidly which reduces wick temperature and extends tool life, however the fuel burns fairly hot, and lights easily. The flame is blue to orange, depending on methanol content, and fairly dim. Some mixtures of alcohol have an invisible flame in daylight which can make them dangerous. However, when mixed with chemicals, various colors of flame can be created.

MSDS for 70% isopropyl

MSDS for 100% isopropyl

MSDS for 200 proof ethyl

MSDS for methyl alcohol

If you are traveling, or do not live in the US or Canada, click here to see a list of international fuel names.