First responders warn of dangerous social media fire stunt challenges

By Susannah Sudborough
masslive.com

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield firefighters are warning families about social media challenges involving fire stunts after responding to multiple related incidents in recent weeks.

Several popular challenges that encourage children to do fire stunts using isopropyl alcohol are currently circulating on platforms such as TikTok, firefighters said.

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One challenge encourages children to spit isopropyl alcohol toward a flame to create a “fire-breathing” effect. Another involves drawing shapes with isopropyl alcohol on mirrors and other surfaces before igniting the liquid. A third encourages children to pour isopropyl alcohol on clothing and ignite it in the hopes of creating a pattern.

“These activities are extremely hazardous because isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, vaporizes quickly and can ignite unexpectedly,” firefighters said.

Such challenges can cause house fires and leave children with severe burns that result in permanent injury or death. This month, a 9-year-old New Orleans boy suffered burns to more than 70% of his body after participating in one of these challenges, according to The Independent.

Tips for protecting your household:

• Store isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children or in locked cabinets.
• Keep lighters and matches in a secure place.
• Discuss the risks of participating in this type of challenge with children, including the unique dangers posed by burning isopropyl alcohol, and that no fire stunt is safe — even if social media videos make it appear controlled.
• Avoid doing fire-related tasks in front of children that could be misinterpreted as easy or safe.
• Create a home fire safety plan.
• Ensure all home smoke detectors are functional.
• Practice stop, drop and roll with children.
• Practice home evacuation routes as a family.
• Teach children how and when to call emergency services.

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