I'd create swatches for the colors, then blend ellipses.
Once the flames are rotated, you can use the Direct Select tool to adjust the flames into the various subtle shapes.
3852_flamecs4.ai.zip
The AI file looks like this...
Here's a tutorial on how you might rotate the flames.
http://library.creativecow.net/articles/rosati_vincent/radial_patterns.php
Vince
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