Temperature Play involves the use of warm/hot or cool/cold items during kinky activities. This is part 3 of the Temperature Play Series, focusing specifically on Fire Play. Let’s be honest, fire is mesmerizing, hypnotic, and fascinating. It makes sense why people are drawn to it. But let’s not forget that it can be very dangerous. So, let’s illuminate our understanding of how this flickering, hot flame has set the kink world ablaze.
Before we begin, this topic needs a disclaimer.
Fire play is one of the most dangerous types of BDSM kinks there is, and should not be done unless there is an expert in this type of play that is supervising the scene. Reading and educating yourself on fire play is a great start, but is not enough to be able to learn all the safety techniques required to participate in this type of kink play safely. If you attempt fire play, you are doing so at your own risk. Kinky Curiosity, myself, nor anywhere else this information is shared are to be held responsible for any damages that may occur. This article is strictly for educational purposes only.
What is fire play?
Fire play is when one incorporates fire during a BDSM scene. This can include the fear of fire, or using the actual flame itself. Fire play can be extremely dangerous and should only be done by those with experience.
What are the dangers of fire play?
Burns. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns are all possible with fire play. All parties must be aware and take extreme caution when participating.
Not just bodily burns, houses can catch fire too. Be extremely careful when doing fire play indoors.
What safety precautions should you take when preparing for fire play?
Fire play should never be done solo. This is at minimum a two-party activity. Having one person as the bottom (receiver) and one as the Top (giver) helps to ensure that there is a set of eyes always on the flame. Having a third person as a spotter, whose sole job is to focus on the safety of the bottom, is an even better scenario.
As far as prepping the scene, your play area should be well ventilated. Make sure you have water, an extinguisher, and wet towels or cloths available. Aside from the fuel you are using, make sure there are no flammable liquids in the area. The area should be free from any loose flowy fabric. Stay away from drapes, cloths, plastics, etc. (anything that can catch fire or melt). Always have a fire extinguisher on hand, as well as a first aid kit. Never use a fire extinguisher on a person.
When prepping for the scene, do not wear any jewelry. Hair is flammable, so make sure the subject has all their hair tied up or out of the way. If the bottom has a lot of body hair, make sure they shave the area the day before. Do not shave right before the scene, because alcohol (the fuel) can irritate freshly shaved skin. Do not wear any lotions, perfumes, body sprays, hair sprays, mousse, or gel. Even fingernail polish is flammable and should not be worn. Make sure you always keep the flame away from the face and the neck.
Having a fireproof blanket for the bottom to lay on can help protect the play area from the flames. It’s important to know that some fireproof blankets are made of fiberglass and should not be used. Instead, use one made of wool or kevlar.
What type of items do you need for fire play?
It depends on the type of fire play you’re doing. Here are some items you may need.
- •70% isopropyl alcohol. Do not use 99%. It burns at a higher temperature and will cause burns.
- •A fireproof container to hold your fuel.
- •Lighter or matches.
- •Fire wand. A fire wand is a metal rod with a rubber or silicone handle on one end and a kevlar tip that can absorb fuel and be ignited on the other.
- •Fire flogger, Fire Whip, Fire Crop. All of these are similar to the pain play versions just with a kevlar tip.
- •Flash paper or flash cotton is a highly flammable thin sheet of paper that will burn up in a flash.
- •Hair mousse. When determining what brand to use, I’ve heard the cheaper the better. V05 and White Rain are the ones I’ve seen people use the most.
- •Fire cups. Cups made of glass or ceramic that are used to increase blood flow to specific areas.
What are some different types of fire play?
Fire Fleshing: Fire Fleshing or Streaking is using a fire wand, cotton ball, or q-tip dipped in fuel to draw lines or designs on the skin of the bottom, and then lighting the design on fire. The alcohol should be a thin layer and evaporate quickly resulting in a flame that lasts no more than 3 seconds. If it does, the Top should wipe the flame with their hand to help put it out. Using a fire proof glove soaked in water can help with this.
Fire Drumming: Fire Drumming or Bouncing is using two fire wands and striking or bouncing the wands on the skin.
Flash Paper: Using flash paper or flash cotton to put small pieces on different areas of the body and lighting them on fire.
Fire Mousse: using hair mousse to create designs on the body and then lighting the mousse on fire.
Fire Cupping: Heating the inside of a fire cup and then placing it on the skin. As the inside cools down, a suction will be made and pressure and blood flow will increase in that area.
Fire Flogging, Whipping, and Cropping: using the tool of choice to mix impact play with heat.
What are some safety precautions you should take during the scene?
When doing fire play, never restrain the bottom. They should have the ability to use their hands and be able to roll over to help put out the flames if needed. When playing with fire, things happen quickly. There is no time to stop and undo restraints during a fire emergency.
When you are using fuel, be careful of any dripping, pooling, or running. Your tools should never be dripping or slinging fuel while on fire. Do not ignite any pooled fuel. The fire will stay on that area and cause severe burns. If your fuel runs down curves or into crevices, it can change the location of the flame, meaning instead of the flame being on top of the skin it could be to the side of the skin or below the skin. This would cause the skin to be in more direct contact with the flame which can cause severe burns.
It is normal for the skin to appear red. If the skin is too hot, use a damp towel or a damp fire resistant glove to give some relief and to help to cool it down. Also, using a damp towel or glove to rub over the skin between igniting attempts will help keep the skin clear of any unknown fuel that may accidentally get overlooked.
What kind of aftercare is needed during fire play?
Apply aloe or lotion to any pink or red skin. Make sure to rehydrate and take in some food after an intense play scene. Having a first aid kit just in case is always wise. Snuggling up with a blanket and wearing some socks to help to keep warm is comforting and good for the headspace. And always make sure you have any personal comfort items to help with the come down.
It is important to note that seeing your skin on fire can induce a wave of panic. This needs to be understood and discussed before a scene. When you have a live flame, panicking cannot happen. Staying calm and addressing the situation is the best way to keep all parties safe.
Fire play is exhilarating but risky. Preparing and taking precautions is the best way to enforce safety to the best of your ability. If this is something that interests you, do your due diligence to research, study, find educated mentors, and learn safe practices. And as always be kinky and stay curious.
