Dozens Burned in Tony Robbins Firewalk: Would You Ever Try Firewalking?

Last week, dozens of attendees of a Tony Robbins motivational event were burned while participating in a firewalk. Advocates of the “confidence-building” practice argue that it’s not dangerous when done properly. But we’re pretty sure that any exercise that involves walking across burning coals can never be entirely risk-free.

At least 21 people were treated for burn injuries outside the San Jose Convention Center. Many more sought medical attention after leaving the venue. Some participants reported hearing “wails of pain, screams of agony.”

Apparently, participants in Robbins’ “Unleash the Power Within” event were warned that firewalking could be dangerous if they were not in the right state of mind. They were told to focus on the power within and avoid looking down. However, many scientists say that state of mind has nothing to do with it. “Rather, it is the short time of contact and the low thermal capacity and conductivity of the coals that is important," says physics instructor David Wiley.

Firewalkers sometimes get burned if they stay on the coals for too long, if they run, if their feet are wet, or if the coals have not burned long enough. It’s unclear whether any of these factors contributed to the injuries at the Tony Robbins event.

Tony Robbins' organization released a statement saying: "We have been safely providing this experience for more than three decades. We continue to work with local fire and emergency personnel to ensure this event is always done in the safest way possible."

So, what about you SodaHeads? Would you ever try firewalking?