Fire at Blazing Swan
Fire is an important part of any burn, and the Blazing Swan experience is no different.
From burn barrels and fire performances to art burns, the Effigy, and the Temple, fire brings our community warmth, creativity, celebration… and ultimately, fire brings our community together.
Blazing Swan takes place in the Western Australian Wheatbelt, as such, fire safety is taken seriously.
All fire activities must comply with event requirements, local regulations, and any restrictions in place at the time of the event.
Our Fire Team works closely with artists, theme camps, performers, and volunteers to help make fire activities possible while keeping participants and the site safe.
Jump to topics below.
Fire Safety First
Whenever you are near a burn, fire performance, burn barrel, or fire artwork we ask you:
Respect all safety barriers and exclusion zones
Follow directions from Fire professionals, our Ranger Team, Fire Team members, and Safety volunteers
Never enter a restricted area
Report unsafe behaviour or fire concerns immediately
These controls exist to protect participants, artists, volunteers, and the event site.
Can I Have a Fire at My Camp?
In General Camping
No fires are permitted in General Camping areas.
The following are not permitted in general camping areas:
Campfires and fire pits
Burn barrels
Candles
Tiki torches
Fire performances
Fire art
Flame effects
Pyrotechnics
The only permitted flame-based equipment in general camping is standard:
Gas cookers
Gas barbecues
Gas outdoor heaters
These must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and may be restricted during periods of elevated fire risk.
Theme Camps
Some fire activities may be permitted within registered theme camps, subject to approval and current fire conditions.
These activities require a Burn Permit and approval from the Fire Team before use.
Burn Barrels
Burn barrels help create warmth and gathering spaces within approved theme camps.
Burn barrels:
Are not permitted in general camping
Require approval through the Theme Camp registration process
Must be inspected on site before use
May only burn clean, untreated wood
Must never be used to burn rubbish or waste materials
If you are planning a burn barrel, include it in your theme camp application and be prepared for an on-site inspection before lighting it.
Fire Performance & Fire Spinning
Fire spinning, fire dancing, and other fire performances are an important part of Blazing Swan.
All fire performances:
Require approval from the Fire Team
Must comply with safety requirements
Must have appropriate insurance where required
Can only occur in approved areas
The Fire Tribe hosts dedicated fire spaces and activities throughout the event, providing safe opportunities for performers to participate.
Burning Art and Fire in Art Peices
Artists are welcome to incorporate fire into their work, including flame effects and artworks intended to burn.
If your installation includes fire in any form, or will be burned during the event, additional planning and approval are required.
Applications must include:
A Burn Plan
An Ignition Plan
Appropriate safety controls
Early consultation is strongly encouraged, as fire approvals often require multiple reviews before arriving on site.
Flame Effects, Mutant Vehicles & Pyrotechnics
More complex fire activities may be possible, including:
Gas flame effects
Liquid fuel flame effects
Flame effects on mutant vehicles
Pyrotechnics
These activities require assessment and approval by the Fire Team and may require specialist licences, insurance, or additional documentation.
If you're planning something ambitious, contact the Fire Team as early as possible.
Fuel Storage
Gas bottles, liquid fuels, and other flammable materials must be stored safely and securely.
Participants using fuel must:
Use appropriate containers
Clearly identify stored fuels
Keep fuel away from ignition sources
Follow any additional requirements issued by the Fire Team
Safe fuel storage is everyone's responsibility.
Need Approval or Advice?
If you're planning:
Fire art
Burn barrels
Fire performances
Flame effects
Mutant vehicle fire systems
Pyrotechnics
Please contact the Fire Team early in your planning process.
The earlier the conversation starts, the easier it is to help bring your idea to life safely.