Flames in Photoshop

I tried this tutorial that teaches you to make flames in PS. It makes interesting use of the wind filter and smudge tools. However, here are some improvements:

• When using the wind filter, remember to set it to from left
• Step 6 is unnecessary
• If you can't get the gradient to line up with the flames satisfactorily, the easiest method is: just make the gradient, then hold Control/Command and drag the gradient layer to precisely adjust its position