Playing with fire is one of Dylan Kunkel's favorite things.
Specifically, fire spinning, also referred to as flow — a type of performance art that was inspired by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand.
Unfortunately, in Burlington were Kunkel lives, it is illegal without a permit. But that didn't stop him from doing it anyway.
"I felt crushed knowing that suddenly my art form, my emotional escape and medicine for that thing we call anxiety was suddenly very... anxiety inducing," he described.
Still, the fear of getting caught, even fined, wasn't enough to stop him. But after posting photos to his Instagram account, Kunkel caught the attention of long-time fire spinner Kim Cleary of Jericho.
Cleary's first reaction was to scold him for burning illegally. But then she invited Kunkel to her house to burn on the up and up. She and her husband Chris Cleary had for years been playing with fire, either spinning, fire breathing or burning all manner of wooden structures akin to a smaller — and much more Vermonty — Burning Man.
Cleary helped Kunkel do it right. He approached Burlington's Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, studied proper fire safety measures, vetted them with the city's Fire Department, got the proper permits and even insurance. Then, in August, boom!
Burlington Burn Club was born.
Earlier this month, the final gathering of the club this season took place at Battery Street Park. Well after sunset, on the stage of the bandshell, a few dozen people showed up. Some to watch, but more to sling all manner of fire.
Fire balls on the ends of chains. Fire on hoops, on giant staffs, and even an umbrella.
Sometimes just one person would perform, and then two or three more would join them.
On the edges of the stage, other spinners would stand by holding up fire-proof blankets. Someone called it being a "safety" for the people playing with fire, just in case something caught that wasn't supposed to.
Behind the stage, well away from performers, cans of Coleman camp fuel were lined up along the wall. A fire extinguisher was also close at hand. Stage right, a small glass lantern shaped like a skull burned bright. A speaker at the top of the stage played music.
Performers with their chosen tool would climb the back steps to the stage, touch their wicks to the skull lantern's flame, and get to work.
For about and hour and a half, the darkness of the park around the bandshell was washed in the warm glow of dancing flame.
The Clearys came. Chris showed one of the performers how to breathe fire. Lifting a bottle of purified liquid wax to his lips, he silently pointed to a helper holding a torch. They held out the flame. Chris puckered his lips, leaned forward, and spat out a mist that erupted into a massive fireball.
Kunkel, taking a break from spinning himself, leaned against the back of the stage, taking it all in.
"I realized that this is something we should have in Burlington," he said. "A legal space for our community to practice and enjoy each others company."
You can learn more about Burlington Burn Club on their Facebook page or via email at burlingtonburnclub@gmail.com.
Contact Ryan Mercer at rmercer@freepressmedia.com or at 802-343-4169. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmercer1 and facebook.com/ryan.mercer1.
2019-10-29 10:16:06Z
https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/life/2019/10/29/burlington-burn-club-fire-spinning-and-fire-flow/2483693001/
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