In the United States, most of us recently attended Independence Day celebrations and some of us may have even quite literally played with fire. In many cases, the pinnacle of these was an impressive fireworks display.

Due to accessibility and advancement in technology, the application of fireworks is more commonplace than ever before.

It is no longer just fireworks, though. Special effects of all sorts are more mainstream and many event producers want to take advantage of this.

If you want to create an impressive, scene-stealing experience at your event or if you want a dramatic culmination to the night’s activities, special effects are the way to go.

However, it is on you to make sure the attendees are safe during your event. You want this to be a showstopper for all the right reasons and there is no reason it can’t be.

Here are the ten best practices you must always implement during the planning phase when working with special effects involving fire.

• Check with the Fire Marshal or local authorities in the area where your event will be held to ensure you are following the rules and regulations. The authorities can shed light on areas that you may not have considered. The Fire Marshal has the authority to shut down your event at a moment’s notice, so it is worth complying with the rules.
• Assign a point person(s) to contact emergency services in the event of a fire. Not everyone is calm in an emergency and chaos can quickly ensue.

• Designate two or three team members who will be on site the day of the event to pull fire alarms. As mentioned above, knowing there are specific people charged with certain tasks will bring peace of mind to everyone involved.
• Set out clearly in your Emergency Response Plan (ERP) what steps you will take to reduce risks associated with special effects usage.
• Ensure enough staff is present on event day to assist in case of a necessary evacuation. While this should already be considered in your ERP anyway, there may be specific requirements for specialized individuals depending on the special effects you choose.
• Plan to set off your special effects in an area clear of overhead power lines or crowds that can be affected by smoke, sparks or fire.
• Remain a safe distance away from highways so the visibility of drivers is unaffected by smoke or dense fog. Unexpected wind shifts can create havoc quickly so the greater the distance away, the better.
• Use a professional at all times. These technicians are highly specialized and know their stuff. Bring someone in who is competent and an expert in this area. In addition to providing the services for which you contract them, their expertise can assist you with any blind spots you have in planning and layout.

Comets, gerbs, mines, flames, c02 jets or full-on fireworks – no matter your special effect of choice, it is simply a matter of planning to make it a success.

Planning for open flame use is no different than any other planning aspect of your event so do not shy away from it if it is something you wish to explore.

As with anything, the best way to avert disaster is with a solid plan. Follow the basic guidelines to cover your basis and create a spectacle that is the pinnacle of your event.

What special effects do you like to use when wowing the attendees of your events? Share your answer with me in the comments below.

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