History

  Lyle Byrnes was a scientist working in the field of pyrotechnics, when his Chicago lab exploded. Two firemen ran into his burning lab, but did not see or hear him over the roaring blaze. He survived because of the weakened floor, but was left horribly disfigured. Believing that the firemen left him to die on purpose, he developed a vendetta against all civil servants. He acquired the formula for the legendary Greek Fire, and used it to torch different buildings. While burning down the fire commissioner's home, he was confronted by the Blue Beetle on his return to super heroics. Beetle failed to save the house, but managed to save the life of a fire fighter. Firefist next attacked the Chicago Museum of Fire Fighting, but was seemingly killed when he fell through a floor and his fuel tanks exploded. Firefist later resurfaced as a mercenary and attacked some of Clark Kent's friends. He was captured and remains in prison.