When it comes to unique and unusual work, fire can often play a place. For, pyrotechnics is an area in which individuals need a lot of skill. Whereas, individuals can often also have fun simply by playing with the element, as long as done so safely. One area in which fire is at the center is in that of being a burner or fire dancer, either of which can be work or play.

Different areas to which these words apply include, demolition, quarrying, gas pressure blasting in mining, parts of automotive airbags, explosive bolts, oxygen candles, safety matches, fireworks and generally anything related to fire, especially as associated with the arts. Whereas, the people in charge of devices associated with the technology including the safe storage and handling of those devices or those whom provide professional firework displays are known as pyro-technicians.

Fireworks, flames, smoke, flashes and explosions used in entertainment are often referred to as fire art, such as that which takes place at the Burning Man festival. The proximate location refers to the device's position relative to an audience. In most areas, special licensing and training must be completed along with permission of the owner of a venue or property when using any aspect of fire art.

Currently, Paul McCartney has one of the biggest fire art and firework displays of any concert to date. Although, there are a number of others who also use the technology during live shows. Pink Floyd was one of the first bands to use the technology in concert in the 1980s. For, during the song, "Careful with That Axe, Eugene" smoke and ash would erupt from the back of the staging area.

Later, fire became extremely popular with groups such as Queen, Kiss, The Who and others. As proven by Michael Jackson whose hair caught on fire while filming a Pepsi commercial, the technology can also have a down side. Although, Rammstein, a German industrial metal band are renowned for the incorporation of different aspects of the technology into each performance. Whereas, more recently American bands Green Day and Lordi have also been using the technology.

Fire dances, drum and dance events, burning festivals like that of Burning Man and other festivals in which fire is at the center have been going on for centuries. While this is the case, those performing as fire dancers often wear flame retardant materials or, at the very least have a fire extinguisher close by. Whereas, drum and dance events and fire circles often have monitors which watch the fire closely during an event.

When it comes to theatrical performances, most devices are used to create an effect of fire either coming out of an object. In this case, the term used to describe this aspect is known as gerb. In most cases, the use of devices in this area are often far safer than that of others. Still, even with live theater and movie productions, there can be incidents in which a fire can be started or an individual experiences a severe burn.

Regardless of category, most of these devices are now initiated by a remote control signal which causes an electrical charge or e-match to produce ignition. While the remote may be a manual device, the computer can be controlled via a switch console in order to fire a sequence or pre-programmed sequence of fireworks in different formats which tracks with the live performance during stage cues.