Reno Fire Warns Public About Social Media 'Outlet Challenge'

Press release from the City of Reno:

October 22, 2020

The Reno Fire Department is advising and warning the public about a dangerous social media challenge.

Reno fire investigators believe two fires that occurred last weekend in a residential structure were part of a social media challenge that has resurfaced on sites such as TikTok and YouTube. The challenge entails first inserting the plug of a mobile device or charger partially into an outlet, leaving metal prongs still exposed and accessible. Then a penny or piece of metal is dropped in the space between the plug and the outlet to touch these exposed prongs. When that contact is made, sparks fly.

What is typically not shown in these videos are the extreme dangers the electrical arc creates.

“Temperatures within the path of an electrical arc are in the range of several thousand degrees,” said Tray Palmer, Fire Marshal with the Reno Fire Department. “From the exterior of the outlet you may just see a quick fire and flash, but usually what we see is that fire continues inside the wall and may not present itself to the homeowner until the fire is too big to control.”

Most people tend to underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires accounted for 6.3% of all residential fires, with approximately 24,000 residential building electrical fires being reported from 2014 to 2016.

According to the Reno Fire Department, if an electrical fire starts:

1. Cut off the electricity. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it.
2. Add sodium bicarbonate. If the fire is small, you may put it out by smothering it with baking soda.
3. Don’t use water to put it out. Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. Also, water may enable the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials.
4. Check your fire extinguisher. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, which means that you will need an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled ABC, but it is crucial to verify this before using it on an electrical fire.

The U.S. Fire Administration also offers more information on electrical fire safety.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed are the author's own.