Gel suit (full-body burn rig)

A gel suit is a multi-layer rig: an inner Nomex base layer, a layer of fire-retardant gel (typically a methylcellulose-based hydrogel) applied directly to skin, then a second Nomex layer, then the visible costume. The visible costume is treated with a controlled flammable accelerant — historically alcohol-based, increasingly propane-fed — that produces a tall, photogenic flame while the gel layer keeps skin temperatures under 60°C for the rated duration (typically 30 to 60 seconds). The performer breathes through a fire-rated hood and works to a strict choreography: they have a fixed time on fire, after which the safety crew extinguishes them with a fire blanket and CO₂.