If your FireWare Phoenix Silkflame isn’t “dancing” quite as high as it used to, don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there’s a simple fix!
At this year’s Emergency Services Show, one visitor mentioned, “Our silk flame doesn’t look like that anymore… it doesn’t stand as tall when it’s on.” It’s a comment we hear quite often, but the good news is that your Silkflame probably isn’t faulty – it just needs a bit of TLC.
Why your silk flames start to droop
Over time, the silk cloths used in Silkflame units can absorb smoke fluid or pick up dust from the training environment. This build-up makes the silks heavier, which means the fan underneath struggles to lift and move them in that characteristic “flame-like” motion. The result? Flames that look tired or sluggish instead of lively and bright.
The easy fix — give them a wash!
Bringing your Silkflame back to life couldn’t be simpler. If your silks feel greasy or you’ve noticed they’re not moving as freely, it’s time for a clean.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hand wash using warm water and a mild detergent (a little dish soap works wonders).
- Machine wash on a silk-friendly or delicates cycle if preferred.
- Air dry fully before refitting them to the unit.
Once dry, your silks will be lighter, allowing the fan to push them upwards and recreate that beautiful, realistic dancing flame effect – just like when it was new!
What is a FireWare Silkflame?
The FireWare Phoenix Silkflame is a clever piece of kit used in fire and rescue training to create a highly realistic flame effect – without the heat or hazard of real fire.
Using a combination of powerful fans and coloured LED lighting, the Silkflame produces an incredibly convincing flame simulation. It’s ideal for:
- Enhancing realism in fire and rescue training scenarios
- Creating visual cues for search and rescue exercises
- Demonstrating fire behaviour safely in classrooms or demonstrations
Because the effect looks so real, it helps trainees respond as they would in a genuine fire situation, improving engagement and retention during exercises.
A fun bonus tip
Did you know you can use your Silkflame without the silk cloths? The fan alone pushes smoke upwards, while the light projects into it – creating another realistic visual effect perfect for training variety.
Keep your training realistic with FireWare
At Ruth Lee Ltd, we’re proud to be the UK’s only stockist of FireWare products, supplying the full range – including the Phoenix Silkflame, Mini Silkflame, and all replacement silks and accessories.
If your existing Silkflame could do with a refresh, or if you’d like to see what these innovative tools can add to your training, we’d be happy to arrange a demo for your team.
👉 Get in touch to find out more, request replacement silks, or book a demonstration. Keep your flames dancing – and your training burning bright! 🔥