Local Teens Attempt 'Fire Challenge,' Fire Officials Warn of the Dangers

Montclair Township Fire Department officials warn of a very dangerous trend called “the fire challenge” where young people pour flammable liquids on their bodies and set themselves alight to be video-taped, then post the videos on social media. This dangerous and disturbing trend is spreading across the Internet.

“Many kids in all parts of the country are suffering severe burns from performing the fire challenge,” said acting Fire Chief Thomas Diveny. “To date we know of two students from Montclair who did the fire challenge, luckily they were not injured. There is nothing smart about pouring a flammable liquid on your body and igniting it.”

What could happen?

• burns to the throat and lungs from inhaling the flames
• painful tissue burns that result in painful blisters
• deep tissue burns which lead to a painful recovery period, multiple surgeries and permanent disfigurement
• death

If you know of anyone who attempting the fire challenge, please call 911. If you know of someone who has done the fire challenge please call the Montclair Fire Prevention Office at 973-509-4765.

image via shutterstock