Last year Mark gave a rousing review of his experience at the Crucible’s annual Fire Arts Festival in Oakland. “They had these fire torches that shot flames up within range of the BART trains traveling overhead,” he said. I was instantly bummed I’d missed it. So when it started getting close this year, I was vocal about wanting to go.

Given past enjoyment in capturing flames in motion at night, I was looking forward to bringing my camera and documenting the experience on my blog—for friends near and far. That is, until just before we left, when I stumbled upon this strongly worded prohibition:

In order to protect our patrons’ privacy and respect our performers and artists ingenuity we ask that there be no photography or videography without prior written permission from The Crucible. Under no circumstance will images of The Fire Arts Festival be sold without written consent from The Crucible in addition to a model release from individual(s) depicted in the image. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to abide by these rules.

You might as well just say, “Please do not blog about our event.” Somewhat disappointed, I left the camera behind. Some things are meant to be experienced and not captured, I reminded myself. Except that once we arrived, there were tons of cameras. What a crock.

Well anyway, around midnight, just as we (Mark, Monica, Marcia, Stephanie, and I) were getting ready to pack it up and head back to Santa Rosa, we saw the fire tornado demo starting up—which I’d heard good things about but hadn’t seen thus far.

Imagine 6 or 7 large industrial fans set up in a circle, all pointing slightly right of center so as to create a funnel of air. Then imagine two crazy dudes in silver flame retardant and heat resistent “bunny” suits, both holding long poles spraying out some highly flammable liquid—most likely propane, the fuel-du-jour at this event. Then imagine them doing this so as to create a giant funnel of flames that shoots straight up into the air.

Seriously. It was so hot and slightly off-center (towards our side) at several points that we had to scramble backwards to lessen the heat.

Suffice it to say, I took the liberty of snapping a few shots with my camera phone. Enjoy.