I thought flash paper and powder or cotton was relatively safe unless it was constrained like in a squib, but I read with horror about a Pocono (PA?) magician who lost his fingers - Yikes!

See http://www.magictimes.com/news-web.htm

Please be careful folks !

Haven't heard that one, but fire in untrained hands is very dangerous. Outfits, and costumes are not fire resistant, and mesh lights up like a xmas tree. It is easy to set fires but difficult to put them out.

Please learn to respect flash paper, cotton, and string, along with all the other types of fire magic. Use it as a misdirection not a fire storm, small pieces, in transformations or controlled area. Always evaluate the props near by and curtains and backdrops.

Play it safe, be safe.