Juggling Fire ?

[Cavedude]

Last night I was doing some practice sessions with fire.
I was trying out my firestaff and torches and spitting some fire.
I was doing this on a (empty) schoolyard, so far so good.
Suddenly some cops show up and start asking questions,
They say i can't practise in the schoolyard because of the danger (school might be cought on fire) and i'm ginving a bad example to possible kids who are watching.

I've been practising on this schoolyard from about a year now never had any problems with the cops or firefighters.

Anyone else ever had this problem ?

[Richard]

I was juggling fire in my front yard one summer day showing off for all the neighbors when a cop pulled up and told me I wasn't allowed to do that. He said "I know what you're doing but there's a no open flame ordinance in the city." As my audience booed, hissed, and one argued about barbecuers, I politely extinguished the flames and waited for him to leave before starting again.
I've done public show's for the city and never been hassled about this. I've practiced and done shows in the parks without incident. After this incident my wife asked her cop friends what the poop on the open flame was. They told her the cop must have just needed something to do at that time and not to worry to much about it, although I'm sure he could have written me a ticket if he really wanted to.

[Barry]

hey cavedude, check out the date you got busted...you have been practising here for a year without incident? i would just wait until about the 3rd of january and start up again. it is probably typical new year' eve worries...i mean , we are talking about dutch police right?...you can probably even comunicate with them if you get bothered again

[Cavedude]

Dutch cops indeed, the main reason why i was practising was because i give away a little fire show every year on the 31st around 24 hours for my neighbors instead of fireworks.

[Miss Banana]

Hey!
I was doing a show in Washington Square, splitting the fountain between me and Clarke (planet banana), and our gear was confiscated by parks authorities when Clarke borrowed one of my clubs. It was due to the open flame law.
The whole thing was just bad luck though as I had managed to get through 2 whole shows (my entire show at the moment is fire) and they only turned up right at the end. Gotta be unlucky.
Anyone know how to get around the fire issue in NYC? I'd like to start up again once it gets a little warmer. It seems though that fire is too uch of an issue anywhere at the moment.

[Pyromancer]

Fire is a problem, almost everywhere. Especially at the more touristy spots. Unfortunately, I can understand why. I have seen many people bulshitting around, not taking care at all. They fuck up once or twice and overly worried authorities will take action...

Another "problem" for the authorities - especially around the more touristy spots - is that with some props it's hard not to spoil some oil on the ground, if you work with fire. And if you don't care at all, it can be messy. Tourists need clean streets - not to be confused with the actual inhabitants of an average city. So you're more likely to get busted if you work in the tourist polouted areas - e.g. where the money usually is.

Parks usually are less of a problem, for practice and shows.

[ 01-20-2003: Message edited by: Pyromancer ]</p>

[mini mansell]

Hi, come work Europe again this year,
the European Juggling convention is in Denmark, have you visited there? this could be your chance

[Evan Young]

I have never been to new york, but I was under the impression from talking to others that you could juggle fire as long as you kept in inside the fountian.

[Pyromancer]

Mini, I am seriously contemplating staying in Europe this year, or at least spending more time overhere. I kind of miss the European atmosphere... But Burning Man still draws...


Evan, allthough I did some fire stuff in the pouring rain in Singapore, I don't think working in a fountain will make you a decent show. [img]smile.gif[/img] What's de deal with that fountain?

[Evan Young]

Like I said earlier, I have never been to New York (not as a performer anyway, once when I was 14), but as I understand it the fountain is not in use anymore, but the "pool" is still there with no water. I heard that you can perform fire shows if you stay inside the fountian boundaries. They may also have requirements about having fire safty stuff like a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.

I wish someone with fist hand experience would post on this b/c all I know is second hand.

[Miss Banana]

OK, so here's the fountain biz as far as I know it now. The fountain is not in use as a fountain, and the street performers do circle shows inside it. Apparently, it doesn't matter whether you are inside or out, the open flame law still applies and they are still with in their rights as enforcement officers to confiscate the gear and issue fines and summonses.
I just got off the phone today with someone at parks special events who said to put it in writing and he will discuss with the commissioner. I realise that there is practically no chance this will happen, but ya never know.... so I'll keep you guys posted on this.
There is also a problem with amplification in the park.
I guess it would be good if and when there is a "busking map of the world" to include whether amplification, fire, knives etc are within the boundaries of local laws.

Re: Denmark... can one busk fire there freely??? Anyone know any other cities where one can busk fire in Europe? Apparently Avignon is out.

[Pyromancer]

[quote]Originally posted by Miss Banana:
<strong>Re: Denmark... can one busk fire there freely??? Anyone know any other cities where one can busk fire in Europe? Apparently Avignon is out.</strong><hr></blockquote>

It's difficult. The very firy nature of my show and some past experiences and stories I heard made me kind of reluctant to hit the streets... Nearly all cities have some rule regarding open fire. There are cities and places that you can get away with it more easily, though. But the more touristy spots and most common pitches are bitchy on fire...

[ 01-21-2003: Message edited by: Pyromancer ]</p>

[AJJames]

I agree that a busking map and festival map should include fire restrictions. I also think a proffessional like pyromancer could post some basic guidelines for up and coming fire performers.This way we could prevent incidents that get pitches and in some cases whole cities and states banned.
my complaint is about some fire performers, who leave a pool of parrafin on the pitch where I have to do acrobatics and other acts have to ride unicycles and dance in stilts.
as long as torches etc are shaken away from center stage its cool.

[Pyromancer]

[quote]Originally posted by AJJames:
<strong>my complaint is about some fire performers, who leave a pool of parrafin on the pitch where I have to do acrobatics and other acts have to ride unicycles and dance in stilts.
as long as torches etc are shaken away from center stage its cool.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I have to admit that I tend to leave some spill as well, mainly from the firebreathing. I am currently working on a cleaner show, that will leave no trace at all.
On a normal concrete floor it is not that much of a problem, but on solid stone or any other surface that doesn't absorb the oil partially, a few drops may cause the floor getting dangerously slippery.

I could put together some guidelines. From some discussions I had in Singapore I noticed some people think I don't care about safety, but as a matter of fact I care a lot and awareness is growing with every torch I light. But... My views aren't necissarily equal to those of other fire performers and as many of them not only seem to make up their own truth about safety and health, but also have strongly developed egos, it would certainly lead to heated debates. Which is not a bad thing in itself, ofcourse...