ABSTRACT
The use of real flame on stage is highly dependent on venue, its location, and the local fire department. Laws differ by country, state, and municipality. In most jurisdictions, need a licensed pyrotechnician present during a live performance with pyrotechnics. In some cases, the pyrotechnician needs to physically handle all the effects, rather than being able to pass them off to an actor to handle. A Bic lighter is self-extinguishing; the actor needs to hold the button down to keep the flame lit. If they drop it, the flame will go out before the lighter hits the ground. On a Zippo lighter, the flame continues to burn even if no one is touching it, making it a greater fire hazard. Any use of flame on stage requires careful planning, absolute consistency in performances, and multiple options for extinguishing the effect. Fires in theatres kill dozens and even hundreds of people a year.
