Local govt wants to regulate fire dancing in Boracay

Tourists might soon see less of Boracay’s hottest attraction if plans push through to limit fire dancing on the island.

The local government of Malay in Aklan is mulling the passage of an ordinance that will regulate when and where the fire dancers can perform.

“Plano po talaga naming i-regulate ‘yan dahil nga may mga issues with regard sa ating environment, and of course, [worried rin kami] sa safety ng mga turista natin dito sa Boracay,” Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero said in a report on 24 Oras.

The local government is particularly concerned that the fuel used by fire dancers leaves black stains on Boracay’s pristine white sand.

According to Firepedia.com, a website for fire performers, fire dancers usually use naphthalene gas during their exhibitions.

Naphthalene, also known as white gas, is described as possibly “smoky, toxic and carcinogenic” since it can contain a high percentage of aromatics.

Other known fuels used by fire performers include paraffin or lamp oil and ethyl alcohol.

Ivene Reyes, head of the provincial environment and natural resources office, confirmed that the fuel used in fire dancing has negative effects on the environment.

“Totoo naman na nakaka-pollute yung ilaw na may mga gas,” he said.

For their part, fire dancers who stage several shows almost daily on the island say they are willing to follow the local ordinance regulating their performances as long as government officials do not totally ban them on Boracay.

In 2012, the travel website cheapflights.com listed Boracay as among the top 10 beaches in the world, along with Ibiza in Italy and South Beach in Miami, Florida.

The site noted the fire dancing shows on the island as one of the attractions lighting up Boracay’s party scene every night. — Xianne Arcangel/VVP/VC, GMA News