firebreathing

Firebreathing is a performance art in which a performer creates a flame by expelling a flammable liquid from the mouth and igniting it in the air. It has appeared in various forms of entertainment, including circus acts, street performances, and stage shows, and is typically categorized as part of fire performance or flame effects.

The act relies on the combustion of an airborne liquid near the mouth and an ignition source. While it is sometimes presented as straightforward entertainment, firebreathing carries significant risks. Potential hazards include severe burns to the lips and mouth, inhalation of toxic fumes, accidental ingestion of fuel, and unintended ignition of clothing or surroundings. Because of these dangers, safety considerations emphasize professional training, the use of approved fuels, controlled environments, and the presence of fire suppression equipment and trained spotters. Many jurisdictions regulate or prohibit public performances involving fire.

Historically, firebreathing appears in a range of cultural and entertainment contexts, from ancient ritual displays to modern circuses and street theater. In contemporary practice, performers stress safety, risk assessment, and collaboration with licensed venues or event organizers. The activity remains controversial due to its inherent hazards and potential environmental and public-safety impacts, and it is generally reserved for trained professionals operating under appropriate permits and safeguards.

See also: fire performance, flame effects, safety in performance.