The back courtyard of Be Here Now is hot on Monday nights, and it's more than just the weather.
Hula hoops and nunchucks come ablaze as people blow fire during what's known as "Spunday Monday."
The event allows the group, called Burn Mob, to show off their talents and recruit potential members once it's dark outside.
"First degrees are pretty common, but you learn to deal with those," said Austin Pursifull, a Be Here Now employee and Burn Mob member. "Second-degree burns hurt worse, and heaven forbid you do something that causes a third, [because] those can really hurt."
The only injuries for the group have been minor ones to themselves.
Burn Mob's lead hula hooper Kelly McDonnell left the show early on Monday to treat minor burns to her arms. Pursifull had technical difficulties with his equipment that caused the poi balls to interlock.
Pursifull said the key is to be prepared and aware of what you're doing, but even the best planned routine can have issues that result in some minor burns.
He said fire arts performing is any of several tricks involving poi, staff, nunchucks, hula hoops and any of the other toys the group uses to perform tricks.
Burn Mob members show people who are interested how to do fire tricks as well.
Safety for the crowd is a priority for the group said Mark Riley, a Burn Mob member.
"We keep a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket on hand, but no one has ever lit themselves on fire," the senior telecommunications major said. "It is usually just some soot marks or minor burns if you catch it wrong."
People interested in learning more about Burn Mob can see them on Monday nights at Be Here Now in the Village or search for Burn Mob on Facebook.
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