Hi,

It took just over 2 minutes 30 seconds to get out.

All that time there was applied high pressure flame to the sides of the vault.

By estimation, at the time of the actual escape the temp inside was at approx 400 degrees F.

Santini: The Dark Master of Escape

thats awsome, i wish i could have been there!!!

Thanks for the kind words.

Perhaps I should explain my choice of attire.

As you know Mike, I always wear black leather garments in my performances ( one of the few reasons I am known as The Dark Master).

It is as much my unique image as anything else.

But for this escape, I was glad to be wearing them despite the blistering heat.

You see, in some early fire tests in our metal work shop, I had gotten into the vault with a regular nylon ski type jacket.

Our shop is not heated and I wore the jacket cause I was cold.

Luckilly, my Dark Crew did not lock the door of the vault and I only planned to stay inside and feel the heat for a minute.

Well, it got so hot that the sleeve of the nylon coat that was touching one of the vault walls melted at one minute and burst into flames.

You will see evidence of this in the pre stunt footage for NYE that I will soon have up on my web site.

If the vault had been locked, I would have burned to death.

On NYE, the major problem was not only the intense heat, but also the air which was quickly consumed and rendered unbreathable.

As well, and even though we had sandblasted the vault inside and out to remove all traces of paint, the super heated steel walls began to produce a toxic smoke.

The next day after the NYE escape my throat was raw, I could hardly speak and I could swallow nothing but ice cold liquids.

My lungs still hurt slightly when I take a deep breath and I will be going to see a doctor tommorow.

Be careful out there people!

Santini: The Dark Master of Escape
www.thedarkmaster.com