I want to try fire play with my partner but literally everyone I know says it's too dangerous to try at home. Are they right?

Fire play is an activity where the risk profile is genuinely high enough to justify the warnings you are getting. The physical consequences of errors, a small fire becomes a large fire remarkably quickly, and flame on skin past the brief contact intended can cause serious burns, are severe and fast-moving.

The first step is always training from someone experienced and qualified in fire play specifically. Fire workshops are offered by experienced kink practitioners and are the expected entry point. In-person training covers the specific techniques (flaming tools, vapourised alcohol, running flames), the mechanics of how fire behaves on skin and under different conditions, what to do if something goes wrong, and the immediate safety equipment that must be present.

Safety equipment is non-negotiable: a wet towel immediately to hand for smothering, a fire extinguisher appropriate for the situation (not powder-based extinguishers near people), and preferably a second person present whose role is specifically safety watching rather than scene participation.

Environmental control matters: fire play must not happen near flammable materials, in spaces with open doors or draughts that affect flame direction, or on surfaces that could catch. A bare floor or tiled surface is the appropriate setting.

Home environments are often not optimal for fire play because of upholstery, carpets, curtains, and other flammable materials. Many practitioners continue to do fire play exclusively at dungeons or outdoor spaces where conditions can be properly controlled even after they have training.

The caution from your friends is accurate; doing it right involves training and proper setup.