Fire Gel vs Fire Paste: Choosing the Right Flame Effect for Your Production
Controlled fire effects are among the most visually powerful and technically demanding practical effects in film and television production. A flame flickering across a surface, fire crawling up a wall, or a stunt performer engulfed in flames creates immediate dramatic impact that audiences feel viscerally. But fire on set requires absolute precision, the right products, and rigorous safety protocols.
At SPFX Supply, we supply the fire effect products and fire retardants that professional special effects teams across Canada rely on. This guide covers the key differences between fire gels and fire pastes, the critical role of fire retardants, and the safety planning that makes controlled fire effects possible.
Understanding Controlled Fire Effects for Film
Controlled fire effects in film production are engineered situations where fire burns in a predetermined manner on a specific surface for a specific duration. Unlike uncontrolled fire, every aspect of a controlled burn is planned: the fuel source, the ignition method, the burn area, the burn duration, and the extinguishing procedure.
The products used to create these effects fall into two main categories: fire fuels (gels and pastes that burn in a controlled manner) and fire retardants (products that protect surfaces and materials from fire damage). Understanding both categories and how they work together is essential for safe, effective fire effects.
Pure Burn Flame Paste
Pure Burn Flame Paste is the premium fire effect fuel for film and television production. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable paste that burns with a clean, smokeless flame. Pure Burn is designed specifically for the entertainment industry, where clean burning, consistent performance, and safety are paramount.
Pure Burn was actually tested on The Boys before we started carrying it. The SFX team needed a smokeless paste that wouldn't trigger fire alarms on a studio stage. It performed flawlessly, and that convinced us to bring it into the shop.
Key Properties of Pure Burn
Non-toxic and biodegradable. Pure Burn is formulated from plant-based ingredients and produces no toxic fumes when burned. This is critical for indoor shooting environments and for any scene where actors are in close proximity to the flames. The non-toxic formulation means that cast and crew are not exposed to harmful chemicals during filming.
Smokeless burn. Pure Burn produces virtually no smoke during combustion. This is a major advantage on set, where smoke from fire effects can trigger fire alarms, obscure the scene, and create continuity issues between takes. A smokeless burn gives the cinematographer a clean flame that does not compromise the visual clarity of the scene.
Consistent performance. Each application of Pure Burn burns for a predictable duration at a consistent intensity. This predictability is essential for timing stunts, coordinating camera movements, and ensuring that take after take delivers the same result.
Controllable application. Pure Burn's paste consistency allows it to be applied precisely to surfaces, costumes, props, and skin-protective appliances. It stays where you put it and does not run or drip, which is critical for safety and for controlling the exact shape and size of the flame.
When to Use Pure Burn Flame Paste
Pure Burn is the go-to choice for close-up fire effects where the flame needs to be clean and controlled. Common applications include fire on props and set pieces where the flame needs to burn for a specific duration, costume fire effects where the flame burns on protective appliances worn by actors, tabletop effects like fireplace inserts and fire bowls, and any indoor fire effect where smoke-free burning is required.
Differences Between Fire Gels and Fire Pastes
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, fire gels and fire pastes have distinct properties that make each better suited to specific applications.
Consistency. Fire gels are typically more liquid, with a consistency similar to hair gel. They flow and spread across surfaces, conforming to contours and filling gaps. Fire pastes like Pure Burn are thicker, with a consistency closer to peanut butter. They hold their shape and stay precisely where applied.
Application. Gels are easier to spread over large areas and can be applied with brushes, rollers, or poured. They work well for coating surfaces like walls, doors, and large props. Pastes are applied with spatulas, trowels, or gloved hands and are better for detailed, precise work where the fire needs to burn in a specific pattern.
Burn characteristics. Gels tend to burn with a larger, more spread-out flame because the fuel thins out across the surface. Pastes burn with a more concentrated, defined flame because the fuel maintains its thickness. This makes paste better for controlled, precise fire effects and gel better for broad, dramatic fire coverage.
Adhesion. Pastes generally adhere better to vertical surfaces and overhead applications because their thickness prevents dripping. Gels may run on vertical surfaces, which can be dangerous if the fire spreads beyond the intended area.
For most film and television applications, Pure Burn Flame Paste is the preferred choice because its thick consistency, clean burn, and predictable performance provide the control that safety demands.
Fire Retardants: The Essential Other Half
Fire retardants are just as important as fire fuels in any fire effect setup. They protect surfaces, materials, and structures that are not meant to burn, creating a safe boundary around the controlled fire effect. Without proper fire retardant treatment, a controlled fire effect can quickly become an uncontrolled one.
Rosco Flamex Product Line
Rosco Flamex is the industry standard for fire retardant treatment in the entertainment industry. The Flamex line includes specialized formulations for different materials, ensuring effective fire protection regardless of what surfaces are involved.
Rosco Flamex DF (Delicate Fabrics) is formulated for thin, delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and tulle. It treats the fabric without altering its drape, texture, or appearance, which is critical for costumes and set dressing. DF is the choice for treating theatrical costumes, curtains, and any lightweight fabric that needs to be flame retardant without visible treatment effects.
Rosco Flamex WD (Wood) is designed for wood surfaces including set walls, floors, furniture, and structural elements. It penetrates wood fibers and provides fire resistance without significantly altering the appearance or finish of the wood. WD is essential for treating wooden set pieces that will be in proximity to fire effects.
Rosco Flamex PC (Paper and Cardboard) treats paper-based materials including cardboard set pieces, paper props, books, and documents. Paper is extremely flammable, and any paper item near a fire effect must be treated with PC to prevent accidental ignition.
Rosco Flamex PA (Paint Additive) is mixed directly into paint, creating a fire-retardant coating when the paint is applied to surfaces. This is invaluable for set construction, where painting is already part of the process. Adding PA to the paint provides fire protection as an integrated part of the set building workflow.
Rosco Flamex MC (Multi-Surface Coating) is the versatile option for surfaces that do not fit neatly into the other categories. It can be applied to plastics, synthetics, composites, and other materials that need fire protection. MC is the go-to when you are dealing with unconventional materials or mixed-material set pieces.
Panther Felt for Fire Safety
Panther Felt is a fire-resistant protective material used as a barrier between fire effects and flammable surfaces. It is placed behind walls, under floors, and around fire effect zones to provide an additional layer of protection. Panther Felt does not burn and acts as a heat shield, preventing the transfer of heat from fire effects to underlying structures.
In practical terms, Panther Felt is laid down anywhere that fire effects will be performed. It protects flooring on location, provides a non-flammable base for fire rigs, and creates a safety barrier around fire effect zones. It is reusable and durable, making it a cost-effective investment for any special effects department that regularly works with fire.
Regulatory Requirements in Ontario
Film productions using fire effects in Ontario must comply with provincial fire safety regulations and obtain appropriate permits. The Ontario Fire Code governs the use of open flames in occupied buildings and on film sets, and productions are required to have fire safety plans reviewed and approved before any fire effect work begins.
Key regulatory requirements include:
Fire permits. Productions must obtain fire permits from the local fire department for any scene involving open flames, pyrotechnics, or fire effects. The permit application process typically requires a detailed fire safety plan that outlines the effects planned, the safety measures in place, and the qualifications of the personnel supervising the work.
Fire safety officer. A qualified fire safety officer must be present on set during any fire effect work. This individual is responsible for monitoring the fire effects, ensuring that safety protocols are followed, and having the authority to stop work if conditions become unsafe.
Fire suppression. Appropriate fire suppression equipment must be positioned within immediate reach of any fire effect area. This typically includes fire extinguishers rated for the specific fire type, fire blankets, and in some cases, standby fire hose connections or fire department presence.
Fire retardant certification. All materials in proximity to fire effects must be tested and certified as fire retardant. This documentation must be available on set for inspection by fire safety officials. Using Rosco Flamex products with their accompanying Safety Data Sheets and certification helps meet this requirement.
Working with Licensed Pyrotechnicians
In Ontario and across Canada, fire effects on film sets must be supervised by licensed pyrotechnicians. These professionals hold federal explosives licenses and provincial certifications that authorize them to handle, store, and deploy fire and pyrotechnic effects. Working with a licensed pyrotechnician is not optional; it is a legal and insurance requirement.
A qualified pyrotechnician brings more than just licensing. They bring experience in planning fire effects, managing safety on set, and solving creative challenges within the constraints of safe practice. They understand how different fire products behave under various conditions, how weather affects fire effects, and how to engineer a fire rig that delivers the visual result the director wants while maintaining absolute safety.
When hiring a pyrotechnician, verify their licensing, check their references from recent productions, and involve them early in pre-production planning. The best results come from close collaboration between the pyrotechnician, the director, the cinematographer, and the stunt coordinator throughout the planning process.
Fire Safety Planning on Set
Comprehensive fire safety planning is the foundation of safe fire effect work. Here is a framework for planning fire effects on a film set:
Risk assessment. Evaluate every aspect of the fire effect, including the fire source, the surrounding environment, the proximity of cast and crew, ventilation, weather conditions, and exit routes. Identify every potential risk and develop mitigation measures for each.
Fire safety plan. Document the complete fire safety plan including the effects planned, the products being used, the safety personnel on set, the fire suppression equipment available, emergency procedures, and communication protocols. This document should be reviewed by the fire safety officer, the production's insurance company, and the local fire department.
Rehearsal. Rehearse every fire effect sequence before the actual take. Rehearsal without fire verifies the choreography, camera positions, and timing. A hot rehearsal with reduced fuel tests the fire behavior in the actual environment. Full dress rehearsal confirms that everything works together as planned.
Communication. Establish clear communication protocols for fire effect sequences. The pyrotechnician should have direct radio communication with the director, assistant director, stunt coordinator, and fire safety officer. A clear chain of command for aborting the effect must be established before any fire work begins.
Post-effect procedures. Plan for the aftermath of every fire effect. This includes immediate inspection of the fire area, cool-down monitoring for at least thirty minutes after the last fire effect, and proper disposal of any used fire effect products.
Shop Fire Effects at SPFX Supply
Safe, effective fire effects start with the right products. At SPFX Supply, we stock Pure Burn Flame Paste, the complete line of Rosco Flamex fire retardants, and Panther Felt for fire safety barriers. The crew understands the demands of fire effect work on Canadian film sets and can help you assemble the right package of products for your production.
Browse our complete Fire Effects collection or contact us to discuss your production's fire effect needs. We are here to help you get the shot safely and spectacularly.
