TikTok Trend Sparks Fires: Norfolk County Fire Chiefs

NORFOLK COUNTY, MA — A viral video challenge has teens attempting a dangerous trick and is being blamed for two fire incidents in Massachusetts. The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association warned parents about the challenge trending on TikTok that involves partially inserting the plug of a phone charger into an electrical outlet and sliding a penny down the wall onto the exposed metal prongs.

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey warned about an incident in Holden that left the outlet scorched and an incident at Westford High School, which the Department of Fire Services investigated and plan on charging the students responsible.

Other departments in the Commonwealth, including Canton, have warned parents and teens about the challenge.

The challenge causes sparks to shoot from the outlet and can cause electrical system damage and, in some cases, a fire.

The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association offered electrical fire safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

• Insert plugs fully into sockets.
• If you have young children, install tamper-resistant electrical outlets.
• Replace wall outlets if plugs do not fit tightly.
• Do not overload outlets.
• Never force a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet.

The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association reminded parents and children to discuss the dangers of certain online challenges and trends and recognizing dangerous activity on the internet.