Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Miss Texas on December 10, 2010 at 12:00pm

I've heard that fire blankets are horrible for the environment and for your body! There was a discussion about it a few months ago... I would definitely go with just a wet blanket and a bucket of water nearby.

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Permalink Reply by Isa "GlitterGirl" Isaacs on December 13, 2010 at 11:51pm

i'm so certain the stuff they put on the blankets is toxic (i mean, how could it not be?) but only one side is treated and if you only touch the other side, you won't get full of it. regardless, i'm guessing the blankets are no worse for the environment and our bodies than the fuel itself -- unless you're rubbing the toxic stuff all over your naked skin. Another thing we suggest is having the fire safety people use gloves to avoid rubbing against both the fuel residue and fire retardant. fire safe, hardware store work gloves work well for this. 

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Permalink Reply by Bearclaw Manufacturing - Tedward on December 11, 2010 at 12:11am

"Fire Blankets" come in a wide variety.

UK - fire blankets are made of fiberglass and are intended for single use then disposal.  No biological impact other than temporary surface irritation.

US - Fire protection blankets are made of wool, and are intended to keep fire off you while you escape a burning building.  Because of their bulk, they are hard to use as a spotter blanket.

Fire Arts - Both wet towels and Duvetine are common.  

 - Wet Towels must be dried quickly after use or they will become moldy (presenting a breathing hazard).  

 - Duvetine (or Duvy) is chemically treated cotton felt.  The chemicals can only affect your body if the blanket gets wet.  The amount of flame retardant on the blanket is minuscule compared to the amounts used in the baby clothing industry.  Many flame retardants exist, not all are bio hazards.  You will never know which you are using unless you make the flame retardant from scratch.  If Duvy gets wet, it must be re-treated or it's just normal cotton felt.

 - Pre-Ox is a "pre oxidized" carbon fiber.  It is chemically, environmentally and biologically neutral.  It cannot burn, is not flame treated, and doesn't require water.  It can get wet without losing it's properties and is comfortable as clothing.  Down sides: it frays very quickly and it is 3 times the price of Duvy.

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Permalink Reply by ChinaCat Sunflow on December 11, 2010 at 10:45am

I have never used a damp towel, I always have my Duvy around, and it has never failed me!

I got my Duvy at a Wildfire Retreat, but I know Fire Mecca sells them.. 

http://www.firemecca.com/c-25-apparel-and-safety.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 12, 2010 at 10:48am

I recommend Duvy but use a towel rarely when in a pinch.  If doing any sort of performance definitely have duvatene.  I do hold strong on not wearing synthetics though.  Saw a friend go up in flames.  He was alright but scared the hell out of me and I was happy to have the Duvatene in hand.

 

There's also smothering techniques to concern your self with.  If fabric is on fire, you want to avoid smashing ember into the skin.  I've heard various theories on the best way to avoid.  If the fire is small, a quick smack usually puts it out.  If it's really burning, wrapping and choking the oxygen is the way to go.  

 

Your playing with fire (which I highly recommend), protect yourself with the proper tools.

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Permalink Reply by Lyssamarie on December 12, 2010 at 2:36pm

i thought when buying a fire hoop that most websites gave the option of adding a fire blanket to the order. a fire blanket seems safer and more convenient.

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Permalink Reply by Isa "GlitterGirl" Isaacs on December 13, 2010 at 11:48pm

although wet towels are *far more effective* than duvetyne (and by the way, i recommend the commando weight stuff here because it's extra thick and therefore keeps some of the heat away from the hands of the person extinguishing: http://tinyurl.com/commandofireblanket) I am a huge fan of duvetyne because: 1. people are more likely to use it since; 2. it's easier to have everywhere you go and 3. keeps your hands dry without 4. risking that your tools will accidentally get water on them when, say, you put out the tool and leave it sitting on the blanket cause you're so amp'ed about the good set you just did. also, when you're done, you don't have some (unless you're in a warm client) cold wet slimy towel to transport which can smell moldy later if you forget it because you left it in a plastic bag in your trunk when you brought in all your gear that night. or worse, and i've done this, i left a wet towel in a kit with my other gear and stuff got rusted. not good. but not likely to happen if you only hoop. ;) as everyone said, so worth the $10. 

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