Guest article by Ember Flynn

*Please note that certain countries name their fuels differently than others (as you can see below in reference to paraffin).  This list is for US reference.  When traveling please consult a local expert as to which fuels are best for your needs and burn on!

Naphtha (Coleman’s Camp Fuel, White Gas, Lighter Fluid) is a bluish green or clear liquid with a light petrochemical scent used as camp fuel.  It has a very low flash point, which means that it vaporizes at room temperature.  To prevent excessive vapor inhalation and reduce the risk of flashback, make sure the area around the fuel dump is well ventilated and keep containers covered at all times.  Spills evaporate very quickly (usually in a minute or two for small spills and 10 or 15 minutes for large ones) and leave no residue.  White gas ignites quickly and can easily transfer to clothing, skin, and other surfaces at the beginning of burns, which are bright orange and last about 3 or 4 minutes.  Although its burn time is moderate, the major advantage of white gas is an impressive and versatile flame effect that is visible even in full daylight.  White gas is easy to find and relatively cheap, around $9 or $10 a gallon.

Ideal for: fire spinning, contact fire, fleshing, fire eating vapor tricks, lit spinoffs

Dangerous for: fire breathing, spillage tricks

Coleman: White Gas

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Ethyl Acetate is a clear or yellowish liquid solvent that smells like nailpolish remover.  In the United States it is used as an accelerant in cigarettes, to decaffeinate coffee, and in the production of methamphetamine.  It behaves very much like white gas but is advertised as a more environmentally responsible fuel.  The downsides are that it’s hard to find and even harder to legally purchase in large quantities.

Ethyl Acetate

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Lamp Oil (Lamplight, Medallion, Ultra-Pure) is a generally clear but sometimes colored liquid available in several purities.  Its high flash point makes it rather hard to light but ensures that it is not a flashback or transfer risk.  Spills do not evaporate but create slippery surfaces that are difficult to clean; expect it all over your hands, too.  Lamp oil burns upwards of 5 minutes producing a mid-sized orange flame and can be found at most camping stores for an affordable price.

*Paraffin see below

Ideal for: fire spinning, fire eating extinguishes, fire breathing

Ultra Pure: Lamp Oil

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Kerosene is a clear liquid with a strong petrochemical scent.  Its legal definition varies widely, so when you buy kerosene, especially in another country, it can be difficult to determine what you’re using.  Most commercially available kerosene has a low flash point and behaves like lamp oil but is sootier and can leave a sticky residue on toys.  This kind produces a low yellow flame that lasts 5 to 7 minutes.  Its advantages are that it’s cheap and available around the world.

Ideal for: long burns, fire spinning

Kerosene

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Alcohols (Ethanol, Everclear, Isopropyl, Methylated Spirits) are clear liquids with low flash points.  They ignite and evaporate very quickly, producing weak and bluish flames.  Except for drinking alcohol, most alcohols contain a toxic denaturing agent to discourage consumption or change the properties of the fuel.  Internally, such alcohols can cause not only drunkenness but poisoning.  The advantages are that alcohol is available almost everywhere and fires can often be extinguished with water.

Ideal for: mixing with colored fuel kits for fire spinning

Dangerous for: breathing, spillage tricks

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White Gas / Lamp Oil Mix:  Many spinners mix white gas and lamp oil in a 1:2 or 1:1 ratio to create a fuel that is easy to light, initially impressive, and long lasting.  Fuel transfers to clothing are still possible but less frequent with a mix, and some small contact tricks may be possible at the very start of a burn.  Although mixes can still slick up floors, they usually aren’t flashback hazards.

Ideal for: fire spinning, fire eating extinguishes

Dangerous for: breathing, spillage tricks

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Tiki Torch Fuel: is usually a type of mineral oil, petroleum distillates obtained from the processing of crude oil.  Although it may be similar to lamp oil, fuel packaging usually provides considerably less information about purity and safe usage.  Tiki torch fuel also often contains scent additives like citronella oil that could damage toys or spinners who are sensitive to aromatics.  It is therefore not recommended for spinning or fire breathing.

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Paraffin: In the US this is another word for lamp oil.  However in Great Britain, South East Asia and South Africa paraffin is synonymous with Kerosene.

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The bottom line?  Find a fuel that is appropriate for your performance and allows you to feel in control.  Many spinners prefer the security of a high flash point fuel like lamp oil for that reason.  Personally, I don’t like the relaxed attitude that sometimes accompanies its use, not to mention the slippery spillage and the smell.  With white gas I get dramatic effects, easy cleanup, and strict safety protocol.

And speaking of: Always remember to clearly label your fuels and keep an up-to-date supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on hand for each one.  Store fuel in a sealed manufacturer’s container or clean paint can, never in a drinking container.  (If you must, for example, for fire breathing, keep the container in the designated fuel area and label it clearly: “DO NOT DRINK.”)  And remember that this list is by no means comprehensive.  Legal definitions and fuel composition vary by country, so always do your research before you burn.