On October 12, 2025, a fire-breathing stunt at Circle Club on Rajpur Road, Dehradun, went awry, leaving two bartenders with severe facial burns. The incident occurred during a lively weekend party with hundreds of guests enjoying music, dancing, and drinks.
Officials reported that the bartenders were performing a fire-breathing act using alcohol to create flame effects when the flames backfired and engulfed their faces.
These stunts have been very popular in attracting crowds, hence many bartenders and other artists in the food and entertainment industry participate into such stunts.
Fortunately, the guests escaped unharmed, but the situation highlighted the serious risks associated with fire stunts in crowded venues. A video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing public attention and concern over safety measures in local nightclubs.
Following the viral video, Dehradun Police intervened promptly. The club management was fined ₹10,000, and authorities issued a stern warning. According to a police official speaking to India Today TV, the club’s license could face cancellation if similar hazardous performances occur in the future.
Facial burns, highly visible and socially impactful, require specialized care to minimize scarring and optimize healing. Partial-thickness burns should heal within 2–3 weeks using moist environments and antimicrobial ointments like bacitracin, avoiding silver sulfadiazine to prevent delayed healing.
Deep burns may need skin grafting, with scalp donor sites preferred for color match and U-shaped grafts to reduce seams.
Significant bleeding during excision demands careful planning, while therapies like silicone patches and facemasks help manage scars. 1
A study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research examined cases of facial burns caused by flambé drinks, revealing that such injuries are more common than often realized in nightlife settings.
The research indicates that these accidents frequently occur during social gatherings, particularly when alcohol consumption, inadequate training, or lack of proper safety precautions is involved.
Victims often suffer severe burns to the face, eyes, and upper body, which may require specialized medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Nightclubs and bars must ensure that stunts such as flambé drinks are performed by trained professionals under controlled conditions to prevent accidents.
With the festive season and party-heavy weekends, the likelihood of such incidents increases, making public awareness and regulatory oversight crucial. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of facial burns, protect staff and patrons, and create a safer, more enjoyable nightlife experience. 2
References:
1. Greenhalgh,= David G.. "Management of Facial Burns." Burns & Trauma 8 (2020): tkaa023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7336183/
2. Lee, Jae-Hoon, et al. "Face Burns Caused by Flambé Drinks." Journal of Burn Care & Research 27, no. 6 (2006): 703–705. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566542/
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)