An apparatus for simulating flames using fabric flame sheets or elements. The apparatus includes a fan or blower for producing a volume of air flow and two or more flame elements positioned in the fan air flow. First and second light sources, such as high powered light emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided to produce light beams having two differing colors such as an amber beam and an orange/red beam. The light beams are directed so as to mix or cross on or near the flame elements when the flame elements extend outward from their mounting location into the fan air flow. Each of the LEDs has a brightness level that can be tuned or adjusted by a controller, which may be manual or may be automated to modify the brightness level of at least one of the LEDs and typically both LEDs during the operation of the flame simulator.