Fire Spotter reference

• Fire Play handout
• Fire Play notes

Top-quality fire spotting requires:

• specific knowledge ("book" learning, e.g. properties of fuels),
• hands-on experience,
• scene-specific preparation (see checklist below),
• vigilance during the scene,
• courage under danger, and
• level-headedness during emergency.

Some Perspective for Spotters:

• A good top or spotter would prefer to get burned themself rather than let anyone else get burned.
• �There are old pilots, and there are bold pilorts, but there are no old, bold pilots.� Successful fire players behave cautiously at all times, even if they seem bold and dashing.
• A spotter must never be reticent about intervening. "When in doubt, put it out." It's easy to relight.
• If the top may be making a mistake, make sure they know, asap. This is no time for deference. The top should brief you beforehand on anything they might do that is surprising, unusual, or extreme. If it wasn't in the briefing, intervene to ask.
• Spotters should talk to each other as needed. In a big show there are usually 2-3 spotters in assigned places, plus a chief spotter who roams as needed. Other spotters can/should motion the chief over, to discuss any concerns.

Fire Spotter Checklist:

• Which fuels will be used? What are the properties and extinguising method for each?
• Which fire tools will be used?
• What spotter tools will I be using?
• Where are the areas for depot, fueling, spin-off, play, and extinguishing?
• What are the normal extinguishing procedures?
• Which bottom(s) will be used?
• Who are the other spotters? Who is chief spotter?
• Who else is involved (bottom's partner, venue manager, event organizer, etc)?
• What will each person be wearing (spotters, tops, bottoms)? Checked hair, hair products, danglies, flamable fabric, nail polish.
• What is the overall plan of the scene? Especially note movement and fuel changes?
• What unusual or extreme play might happen?
• What positions should the spotter(s) take?
• What words and signals will the top use, e.g "orange", "incoming"?
• What ending is planned?
• What are the bottom's limits, and answers to the safety questions?
• What are the spotters' limits, and answers to the safety questions?
• What are the bottom's anticipated reactions, both to good situations and bad? What safeword?
• Where are the fire extinguishers, sprinkler system, fire hoses?
• Intended level of lights and ventilation? Where are the controls?
• Check trip hazards, including electrical cords.
• Where are the exits?
• Where is ice, running cold water, and aloe vera?
• Where to go for eye washing?
• Procedure for medical intervention, choice of vehicle, and choice/location of emergency room.
• Where are the MSDS for each fuel?
• Have the top and chief spotter heard me fully and addressed all questions and issues?
• Am I, as a spotter, feeling ready, prepared, informed, equipped, and confident?

(I provide formal fire spotter hands-on training, but this page is only part of that training.)