21 treated for burns at Tony Robbins firewalk event

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is seen in an October 2010 file photo. / Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

(CBS/AP) SAN JOSE, Calif. - At least 21 people were treated for burns after attendees of an event for motivational speaker Tony Robbins tried to walk on hot coals, reports CBS Station KCBS.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that at least three people went to a hospital, and most suffered second- or third-degree burns.

Robbins was hosting a 4-day gathering called "Unleash the Power Within" at the San Jose Convention Center, which was attended by about 6,000 people.

At the end of the event's first day, conventioneers lined up along Park Avenue and walked across 12 ten-foot-long strips of hot coals on the grass.

San Jose Fire Capt. Reggie Williams said the ritual took an hour and a half.

Witness Jonathan Correll said he heard "screams of agony."

"When it was all said and done, we treated approximately 21 people at the scene for burns and we transported three," said Williams. "The burns, from what I understand, were second and third degree burns."

Robbins' website promotes "The Firewalk Experience" in which people walk on super-heated coals. It is intended to be a confidence-building exercise.

Williams said organizers had an open fire permit and emergency personnel were on standby to make sure there was no accidental fire.

Williams said he and the department did receive reports that more firewalkers went back to their hotels and called 911, although the exact number is unknown.

The four-day event concludes on Sunday in downtown San Jose.

[Uaohio1964]

If these people want to unleash their power, they should stop burning their feet and go do something meaningful and productive, like volunteering at a homeless shelter or food pantry. Visit an elderly shut in or clean up trash on the local playground. Plant a tree. All those things are free, and they don't involve blisters.

[jarrron]

see i don't get this. Even Opera did the hot coals walk with no injuries. In fact no one has ever gotten hurt in the past 10 years of these firewalks.

What happened? Where the reporting? 6000 people did the firewalk and only 21 got hurt? what did they do? Did tony provide the wrong protection? Was one on watching to make sure the walkers went out without the foot protection stuff they do? did someone replace the coals with dangerous coals and not have people wait until the temperature was where is should be?

Forgot tony, forget this story. I've never done it but my mom has. Coal walking is not something tony invented. I want to know how these people got hurt :/

[stacyrolison]

I was there and I walked on hot coals. I did not feel a thing! I also never heard screams of agony because out 6,000 only 21 were burned! Big deal and if they can't handle it they shouldn't have stepped into the fire. No one twisted my arm to do it or be there so Tony is not to blame. Get over it!

[kashia-laguna]

Oh boy... ignorance is a bliss!
I am a regular at Anthony Robbins events, The Man has helped me change my life for better, he helped fid my road to success, and YES i walked the hot coals, AMAZING experience, and not dangerous if you followed the rules!!! Apparently some skipped on preparation.

And to all haters out there, I have one question only? Are you happy with the quality of your life? Reading your comments I bet i know the answer !

[Acriscen]

I had an amazing experience last weekend. Yes,yes, I did it I walked on the burning coals and I did not feel anything. What??? I did not hear anything about the screaming. If you had that experience, too bad, you did not follow the rules and the same thing in life.

[mediaplankton]

I follow the guy who walked on WATER--The Lord Jesus Christ! So many people need a savior! Do not put your faith in princes................

[Firewalker6000]

I cannot believe how irresposible the reporting on this event is. I participated and thought it was amazing. I would be happy to speak to anyone in the press so you can actually report some of the reality of this event. The firewalk was one part of it. If any of the news media actually interviewed the attendees they would have fund out that the screams and moans they reported as people in agony were people getting into the zone. Because of that zone I found the firewalk to be like walking on grass. The feeling of conquering my fears like that was amazing... let me say it again, it was amazing!!! How about reporting that. The comments on here are why the media swings the view on things and just doesn't get it right. Several people I spoke withat the event today said, yeah I got a coal stuck on my foot and have a blister. Wow that nust be 19 of the 20 people that you reported on. Why don't you actually speak to the people instead of reporting off a guy that wasn't even participating. You should have heard the screaming tonight. Wow!!! Tony, all I can say is you freakin rock! email me and I will tell you the truth [e-mail]

Terry

[robert1129]

Did Robbins actually do the firewalk himself?

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

Hopefully, they were treated for acute stupidity as well.....

[robert1129]

You are right. However, Robbins has to be in that number. More so if he did not have some sort of insurance and waiver clause. By the way, did Robbins go through the firewalk also?

[MomsHugs]

Out of 6000 participants, 6000 are missing 3 out of 6 pistons between their ears allowing them to walk on hot coals regardless of consequences.

[formerlyluvnut]

by DoSam July 21, 2012 6:39 PM EDT
beautiful comment, and I'm not from the south. I just know a lot of southerners. some very smart southerners.
----------------------------------------------

They MUST be yankee transplants. NO other explanation.

[kbbpll]

Tony, next time do a sweat lodge.

[Uaohio1964]

And provide some Koolaid :)

[55minus5]

California. San Jose. The bankrupts are desperate...
And you guys blame the South...

[DoSam]

beautiful comment, and I'm not from the south. I just know a lot of southerners. some very smart southerners.