Fire Play

Fire play is a type of BDSM play that involves lighting 50% to 70% rubbing alcohol or other flammable substances on or very close to the skin. Fire play is often considered a form of edge play and can be very exciting, but also a very dangerous scene.


The physics of fire play are simple. A flammable substance is set on fire and left burning on the skin until such time as the Dominant removes it. Fire play is visualy very stunning. It is also very intense for the submissive. Only a very well trained Dominant should be allowed to initiate this type of play.

There is also a psycological aspect to the play. As with all edge play, the act itsself causes fear and pain. To look down and see your chest or your junk on fire, can cause very viseral feelings. The smell of burning hair is one that a person will never forget.

There are tricks involved in this type of play that I will not disclose here. Disclosing them would lessen the experience for the submissive and might embolden a novice Dominant to try things with out being properly mentored.

Two different types of fire play are cupping and streaking. Fire cupping is said to have predated traditional needle acupuncture and cupping sets can be found in some Asian stores. Fire cupping works by heating the air in a cup and then placing it upon the skin. A vacuum is created, and the skin is partially pulled into the cup. Fire cupping typically leaves small, round marks on the body that may last for days. If a single area is cupped again and again, a deep bruise may form and not disappear for some time.

Streaking is the process of applying the alcohol to the skin, usually in long strips or various designs, and then setting it on fire. The Dominant's free hand then follows in the wake of the flame, extinguishing the flame. The amount of delay from the fire to the extinguishing of the flame varies depending upon the material being set on fire, the goal of the scene, or the bottom's tolerance to pain and/or heat. While lit torches and fire batons are typically used. it is not that unusual to see the same method being used with the violet wand.

As with all BDSM play, it is a means to an end. As I sit here thinking about the topic, my mind wanders to Eler Fudd’s impression of Bruce Springstein singing “ ‘um on fiwayr”.