Fire can be used to liven up magic performances by making effects more dramatic.
The use of fire is a popular staple of stage and close-up magic. It adds an exciting, dynamic, and highly visual aspect to a magic performance. A great many tools exist to allow performers to create magic fire effects in a safe and responsible way. Fire is also a useful tool for misdirection, holding the audience's attention while the magician performs the necessary sleights to complete the effect.
Flash Paper
Flash paper is a special type of paper which ignites quickly and burns itself out, leaving no trace or ashes behind. It is made of a highly flammable compound called nitrocellulous and is available at all good magic shops. One popular use of flash paper is as a misdirection prop in card tricks. Ask your spectator to pick a card and write the name of the card on a piece of flash paper. Burn the flash paper in an ashtray and then fan the pack face down on a table. The spectator's card will be burnt, implying that the flash paper was in some way connected to the card. In reality, you will be using a trick deck comprised entirely of copies of a single card, one of which you should have slightly burnt the previous day.
Torch To Rose
Torch to Rose is a classic of close up magic. The magician displays a small torch and then proceeds to light the torch with a cigarette lighter or a candle. The magician appears to pull the flame away from the burning torch and simultaneously transform the torch into a red rose. This effect is available from all good magic shops
The Vernet Lighting Thumb Tip
The Vernet lighting thumb tip is a popular gimmick which allows magicians to "steal" flames from candles and cigarette lighters. The thumb tip is worn over the thumb and is capable of holding a flame for a few seconds. Do not allow the flame to burn longer than three seconds or you risk damaging the thumb tip. This item can be ordered at all good magic shops.
Fire Wand Effects
It is possible to buy magic wands with inbuilt lighters in the tips. These wands are versatile and can generally bear close scrutiny from the audience without the secret becoming apparent. Used in conjunction with a fire thumb tip, the magician can transfer a flame from a candle to his thumb, to the wand, and then back again.
