Hohenfels, Germany. (October 10, 2024): It is a fear as ancient as when cave dwellers realized fire’s destructive power and it is something Soldiers actively train to overcome. In this photo by Staff Sergeant Mickey Miller, Soldiers battle flames from a Molotov cocktail during fire phobia training. The training allows Soldiers to familiarize themselves with effective tactics and techniques for reacting to fire without panicking.

Held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Fire Phobia training was created in 1999 in response to incidents involving U.S. Soldiers during peace keeping missions Kosovo, Yugoslavia. American units found themselves in a law enforcement role dealing with civil unrest and riot control. Crowds hurled Molotov Cocktails at U.S. and NATO troops which underscored a need for more training and equipment to protect our Soldiers. Today, groups of allied troops come to Hohenfels for a thorough “toasting” in carefully managed crowd-control drills.

Prior to each drill, Soldiers wear facemasks and various pads and strap-on body armor plates for protection from the heat. They are shown how to form tight formations behind riot shields and what to do if momentarily engulfed in flames. The training helps Soldiers overcome their natural fear of fire by introducing them to the proper procedures of reacting to a homemade incendiary device. 

Pyrophobia, or the fear of fire, can result in psychological and physiological symptoms including panic:, acute stress, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Troops experience a near fanatical desire to flee from the fire, something that can be overcome with the proper conditioning. By overcoming these powerful emotional and physical responses, troops quickly learn they can resist their fears, keep their composure, and respond appropriately even when engulfed in flames.