Fire rig
Costume-routed propane tubing that produces a sustained, controllable flame for shots where the performer must remain on-camera and burning for more than 30 seconds.
Mechanism
A propane bar runs flexible high-pressure propane tubing through hidden seams in the performer's costume, terminating in a row of small jet apertures along the back, arms, or sleeves. A safety operator off-camera controls the propane valve and can cut flame instantly at any frame. The performer wears the same gel-suit layering as a full-body burn underneath; the propane jets feed a more sustained, evenly-distributed flame than alcohol baste, allowing longer takes with cleaner visuals (no flame flicker between alcohol washes). Modern rigs use electronic solenoid valves so the operator can pulse the flame to specific beats in the choreography.
Safety
The propane line must be inspected end-to-end before every take and pressure-tested at twice working pressure. The safety operator's valve is a "deadman" type — releasing it cuts flame regardless of any other state. Three extinguisher crew + medic on standby. The performer's gel layer is rated for the maximum take duration plus 50% safety margin. Propane bars are not used in confined spaces (the propane gas pools at floor level if the flame extinguishes before the propane shuts off, creating a flash hazard).
On screen
Sequences in the archive whose discipline tags overlap this technique's category. Click through for the full rigging breakdown of each set-piece.