David. Firestaff arguably has evolved seperately in seperate places. Sometimes completely spontaneous and sometimes "inspired" by an idea such as poi or fire clubs.
The only real history I am aware of is in some pacific islands, Western Samoa in particular. Some islands have picked up the practice and are now saying that they have been doing it forever, some of who are saying the truth and some of who believe it even though it may be false.
Try Western Samoan history, without listening to the tourist guides and hotels who tend to exaggerate things considerably (as we all do!).
Cheers
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Charles (INFERNO)
newdolbel@hotmail.com
http://juggling.co.nz