Maryland Fire Marshal Warns Against Deadly Game

The Office of the State Fire Marshal in Maryland is urging citizens to beware of a dangerous trend that has spread on social media called the “fire challenge.”

In the challenge, individuals put liquid accelerant on their bodies, then set themselves on fire and post the videos on social media sites, according to the fire marshal.

The fire marshal reported that across the country, emergency rooms have admitted victims with significant burn injuries to their upper torso and extremities.

“...we’re talking potential skin grafts along with weeks, possibly even months of surgery to repair burned skin and scar tissue,” Bruce Bouch of the Maryland fire marshal’s office told WBOC.

Officials said they wanted kids to know that it wasn’t a harmless activity, especially since youths who participated in the “fire challenge” reportedly didn’t think about the consequences of the their actions.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal said it had not received any reports of the “fire challenge” activities in Maryland but wanted to be proactive in preventing them.

Maryland officials are monitoring social media sites like Facebook in case the trend catches on, according to WBOC.

“The potential of receiving permanent debilitating injuries or worse from this act should be shared with our youth to help prevent an emergency room visit,” Maryland Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci said. “Please take the time to discuss this issue with family and friends to avoid a potentially tragic situation.”

Photo Credit: WKYT. A Kentucky teen had second-degree burns after participating in the “fire challenge.” He said that he hadn’t thought of the consequences since the videos don’t show what happens afterward.