China firm makes staff swallow fire, claims it helps confront fears, boost self-confidence

A company in China has faced criticism online for requiring employees to eat fire, claiming it would help them overcome fear and build confidence.

A mainland social media user, Rongrong, recently exposed the “unreasonable team-building activity” on a major social media platform.

The practice requires employees to put burning cotton buds in their mouths.

One netizen said that the stunt, commonly seen in acrobatics, works by extinguishing the flame when the mouth closes quickly, cutting off oxygen.

“Performers must control their breathing, keep their mouth moist, and time the closure precisely. Only trained professionals can do this safely,” the person wrote.

Rongrong revealed that she was reluctant to join the fire-eating activity but felt pressured to comply, fearing she would lose her job.