A street performing fire-breather has set fire to members of a Mexican mariachi band in a street fight.

The vicious brawl was reportedly linked to a turf war over the right to perform and generate tips at a sought-after spot in the Mexican city of Morelia.

Security camera footage shows one of the band members initially chasing the fire-breather and placing him in a headlock, before punching him multiple times in front of El Inferno taco restaurant on Sunday.

The fire-breather, who later needed hospital treatment, is then seen on the pavement as members of the band, one carrying a guitar, kick and punch him.

Once back on his feet, the fire-breather reacted by creating a makeshift flamethrower, with lit fire sticks and a spray canister, and attacking the band members.

He succeeded in setting fire to at least two of the mariachis, dressed in traditional white shirts and black trousers, who were forced to rapidly remove their burning clothes.

The video shows one man rolling on the ground to extinguish the flames as the fight ended.

Police said in a statement that no arrests were made and only the fire-breather had to be treated in hospital. He told police the mariachis attacked him after an argument.

The most lucrative spots for street performers have long been a source of violent disputes in Mexico as rivals seek to maximise their income from tips.