Police Warn of Fire Challenge Dangers

There’s the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS, the trend where people challenge each other to douse themselves with a bucket of ice water or donate $100 to research for ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Then there’s another trend, that’s pretty much the exact opposite and far more dangerous.

Gloucester Township Police warned residents of a new trend known as the Fire Challenge Monday afternoon.

The fire challenge involves teenagers pouring an ignitable liquid, often rubbing alcohol, on their bare skin and igniting it while another teenager takes photos or video of the event.

The photos and video are subsequently uploaded to the various social media sites for the world’s online community to watch and share.

The act is supposed to elicit laughter as onlookers and Internet viewers watch the reaction from the person who is on fire.

People panic when the flames quickly spread and aren’t immediately extinguished, then forget to douse themselves with water. Running also gives the flames more oxygen to grow. Superheated air can be inhaled, burning the inside of the lungs. Clothes can catch fire on parts of the body not protected by the flammable liquid.

Police said the Fire Challenge has not yet come to Gloucester Township, but anyone with questions can contact the GTPD Community Relations Bureau at communityrelations@gtpolice.comor call 856-374-3513.