Viral TikTok Video Trend Has Resulted In Multiple Scary Fire Incidents

TikTok has been a way for people to share their talents, express their feelings, and be who they want to be in front of a camera. For just a couple of seconds or minutes, some video creators are able to influence their viewers.

And we all know that there are tons of viral TikTok challenges that have been proven to be dangerous and life-threatening. One is a challenge that fire experts are calling a stupid and extremely dangerous trend. This is where viewers are encouraged to try sliding a coin towards the exposed prongs of an inserted iPhone charger.

TikTok users are constantly being warned to not take part in this trend. You see, when a cell phone charger is plugged into a wall outlet and then a penny is dropped behind it, the reaction causes it to have a short circuit and in some cases, can cause a fire.

According to State Fire Marshal Peter J Ostroskey, in the past weeks, two fires have been reportedly started at homes in Massachusetts directly and they were linked to the trend. He explained: “We have had two incidents in Massachusetts that we are aware of: one in Holden where a concerned mother sent a photo of a scorched outlet to a news outlet, and one at a Westford High School, which the Department of Fire Services investigated.”

The Holden Fire Department posted this warning:

Advisory – Viral Teen Video Resulting in Fire Incidents

“The Holden Fire Department would like to warn parents of a new viral teen video that may result in fire incidents and cause serious injury. State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey released an advisory today to inform the general public of two incidents that have taken place in Massachusetts, one of which was in Holden. We would like parents to be aware of the new ‘challenge.’”

The post adds:
“The “challenge” seen on the popular video app, TikTok, involves using the plug part of a phone charger, partially inserting it into the wall outlet, and then sliding a penny down the wall onto the exposed prongs. The result is sparks, electrical system damage, and in some cases fire.

These videos are a concern and similar to past viral videos that encourage unsafe behavior. We are alerting parents to this challenge, and advise them to not only look for signs of fire play like scorched outlets but to have conversations about fire and electrical safety with tweens and teenagers.”

The Holden Fire Department also warns the public about the dangers of this new trend and shares electrical fire safety tips.

As a reminder, please follow the electrical fire safety tips from the US 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, or show signs of damage.
– Do not overload outlets
– Never force a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet.

In conclusion, the department wrote:
“In addition to electrical fire safety, the department would like to remind parents and children to discuss the dangers of certain online “challenges” and recognize the dangerous activity on the internet.”

Fire safety is something that nobody should take for granted. Following trends like this will only put your life in danger.