Fire breathing is the act of creating a large flame by spraying, with one's breath, a flammable liquid upon an open flame. The flame is usually held right in front of the mouth and the spray should be both powerful and misty.
While not a difficult skill, it is certainly a dangerous one, and not just due to the obvious risk of serious burns. The fuels that create the most spectacular flames are often extremely poisonous and carcinogenic. To heighten safety, fire breathers must avoid highly explosive fuels such as alcohol, spirit based fuels as well as petrochemicals in preference for safer combustibles with a high flash point (>50C) and relatively low burn temperature. Due to its relatively safe (~90C) flash point, paraffin is the safest fuel for fire breathing.
A favourite among fire performers and audiences, fire breathing often features as a dramatic highlight in climactic performances. A number of legendary creatures are said to possess innate capabilities for fire breathing, most notably dragons.
External links