Sometimes i have had to pre-soak fire tools and be able to pick them up in the middle of a performance. White gas would evaporate if left out too long, so I have triple bagged them in plastic bags to prevent that from happening. Then i would have tech people unbag them at the appropriate time and place them on stage for me to pick up and use. They did stay fresh for the burn although plastic bags may not have been the best kind of bag to use.

We have laid out pre soaked tools before...if you take them out with you when you start the performance & place them while beginning your work, they should stay pretty fresh. I've even done it before the piece & been just fine. It also depends a little on fuel type. I would NOT have white gas on naphtha on stage while performing, however have been known to use a decorative bowl filled with Iso for "orgy" kind of things. Depending on the venue, it can even be lit.

It's also quite easy to work in a hand off with someone from your crew. I think that most audiences realize that there are some logistics issues with our art and wouldn't mind seeing a graceful handoff any more than they mind seeing that bulky red extinguisher in the corner. It's just part of the deal.

Thanks this thread could not have come at a better time! were dealing withthe same issue as well..... had a show this weekend and unfortunatley when I did a quick redip didn't get enough fule off... then drew a line held the wick while a partner lit it well the flame didn't shake off eeccckkk.Our saftey was awsome but it happened so fast i still got a burn. So we too have ben faced with the issue how do you keep wicks fresh enough for transfers eating etc, but not be so rushed re dipping off stage that you make a carless mistake.. like I did. Laying them out they dry too fast, etc.
I will try the foil this weekend.. thanks lama always can count on you.