Warnings issued after 9-year-old injured while participating in social media ‘fire challenge’
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A 9-year-old New Orleans boy suffered burns to more than 70 percent of his body after reportedly taking part in the dangerous social media “fire challenge,” prompting officials to warn parents about the potentially deadly trend.
New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson described the boy’s injuries in a video Monday alongside New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.
“He is in unbearable pain and lucky to be alive,” Nelson said.
The fire challenge involves people dousing themselves in flammable substances and setting themselves on fire, attempting to extinguish the flames before suffering serious burns, officials said.
Participants typically use household accelerants such as isopropyl alcohol or acetone, according to a 2016 report published in the National Library of Medicine.
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“It’s not fun, and it’s not funny,” Kirkpatrick said in the video.
Nelson urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of the challenge and other “extreme behaviors” promoted on social media.
Kirkpatrick also warned children against giving in to peer pressure to participate in the trend.
“Kids, don’t fall for this gimmick,” she said. “Don’t feel pressured to take part in it.”
The Louisiana incident comes months after a Pennsylvania teen was seriously injured while attempting a social media “fire-breathing” challenge involving isopropyl alcohol in March.
The Pitcairn teen was intubated and treated for burns to the face and chest, Al Hussey, Wilmerding Borough fire marshal, told ABC 7.
“Luckily, in this particular case, it did not burn the building down,” Hussey told the outlet. “But somebody really got hurt and, you know, is going to have life-altering injuries.”
Hussey urged parents to monitor the household items their teenagers can access, warning that everyday products and ignition sources can pose serious risks when used in dangerous online challenges.
“If they’re doing their hair with chemicals, if they’re taking isopropyl alcohol in the room, or any type of fingernail polish remover. Obviously, monitor your lighters and your matches and educate your children,” Hussey said.
