particle effects without black background...

Hi, by searching through the forum for information on the particle effect like fire, water etc… i fell on this topic.
However i am quite new to using particle system so i would need some advice and guidance.
I have seen the demo about particle engines but they are all using a png image with a black background.
This made me wondering, How can i create a fire effect in a room, for example with a torch on the wall so it looks like a fire without this black background. Is the additive blending the way to do so? If so, it would be great if you could explain it in details to me so i can try to include the technique to produce the different effects i have in mind.

Thanks