Those of us who think that the government may well one day be our worst enemy do not think the idea of a flame thrower is silly at all. Have you ever watched a SWAT team or Rapid deployment do a "positive entry?" How would a person, or persons, defend themselves from a positive entry team? Hand gun? Rob leatham wouldn't stand a chance. Shot gun? Full auto subgun?
Time to change tactics. Shoot someone in full body armour with a proper military flame thrower, even with a short burst, and it's SWAT team b gone.
Incidently, most casualties from a flamethrower, instant ones, anyway, are from asfixiation. The hot air next to the body scorches the lungs, and takes the oxygen out of the air that is close enough to breath. Non Fatal wounds ARE, however, quite inhumane