A dalek with a heart, but no fire.

Howdy all, time to throw another problem your way. I've just finished my avatar, a renegade dalek, generally found wandering the sand box. however, i'd quite like to incorporate a particle effect into my weapon, (which is part of the body shell) that spews forth a stream of fire on command. Trouble is, I have no idea where to start! i want the particles to travel about ten feet from my body, then disappear. Can anyone help?