Fire is frequently referred to in the Gathas as an instrument or emanation of Mazda’s power. Some archaic fragments mention fire as “the son of Ahura Mazda”. It certainly must have had great ritual importance as a “pure element” as did Earth and Water. The fire temple cult though, dates to around the Achaemenid era. Boyce suggests it allowed for collective worship and focus while avoiding idolatry. The ever burning fires turned into symbols of the communities and the Great Kings’ reigns.
