Reassessing Fire as a Weapon of Terror

Fire has long been recognized as a weapon of terror due to its simplicity, low cost, and high impact potential. Terrorist and extremist groups have historically utilized fire to cause chaos, economic damage, and fear, as evidenced by various attacks over the years. Recently, the landscape in the United States, particularly with civil unrest and extensive media coverage of wildfires and arson, has potentially amplified this threat.

In Los Angeles, the Palisades and Eaton fires have wreaked havoc, leading to at least 24 fatalities and the obliteration of over 12,300 structures. The Santa Ana winds have made these fires worse, complicating containment efforts. Additionally, a new fire in San Diego adds to the series of fire-related challenges in California, potentially providing a backdrop for malicious activities. The Islamic State’s recent publication in al-Naba issue 478 advocates for the use of fire in attacks, explicitly targeting forests, gas stations, malls, and residences with highly flammable materials and Molotov cocktails. This call to action reflects a persistent interest in “pyroterrorism.”

Looking back, there have been notable instances where fire was used maliciously. The Dolan and Angeles National Forest fires in 2020, the Mumbai attacks in 2008, and the Beslan school siege in 2004 illustrate the devastating effects of fire when used intentionally. These historical events underscore fire’s lethal and disruptive potential as a weapon. The current environment, with both natural and potentially arson-induced fires, continues to exert significant psychological and economic strain on communities, enhancing the terror effect desired by extremist groups.

The tactical evolution by groups like ISIS of using fire as a weapon, especially in regions experiencing droughts, presents a heightened concern. This scenario increases the risk of fire-related incidents and highlights vulnerabilities in densely populated areas, particularly when emergency services are already stretched thin. The psychological impact of these fires, whether they stem from natural causes or arson, is profound, creating an environment of fear and disruption that can serve the strategic goals of terrorists.

While there’s no current evidence of organized terrorist fire attacks planned in the U.S., the changing landscape suggests that fire should be viewed not only as a natural hazard but also as a potential large-scale attack vector.