Connecticut Fire Officials Warn Against TikTok Challenge Which Can Result In Fire

Connecticut State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert and State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette are issuing a warning about a recent social media trend. This “challenge,” as seen on TikTok and other platforms, encourages students to short circuit their personal or school-issued electronic devices by inserting a pencil lead or other conductive object into the USB or other charge ports.

The resulting short circuit can generate sparks and significant amounts of smoke. Any resulting fire can easily spread to nearby combustible items. It can also lead the internal battery to experience thermal runaway and ignition.

“It is vitally important that youth and adults take fire risks seriously and recognize the danger inherent to these types of social media ‘challenges’,” says State Fire Marshal. Lauri Volkert. “Fire can become uncontrolled and turn deadly in just a few seconds.”

State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette added, “Social media trends, many that include risky behavior, are sadly on the increase. Students and parents must be aware of this latest trend involving laptops and other personal electronic devices that have the potential to cause serious injury, death, and/or property damage.”

There have already been several reported incidents at Connecticut schools in the past few days, and school districts across the state are warning both parents and students of the risks associated with this dangerous trend that can cause personal injury and property damage.

“While students are following challenges on social media, most are unaware of how dangerous this particular challenge is. The resulting thermal runaway can cause toxic gases to issue from the device. By intentionally causing these types of emergencies, youth are putting their peers and teachers at risk as well as tying up emergency response agencies and possibly delaying their response elsewhere,” said Chuck Stanyke, a member of the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control and school security director in Ansonia.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is within the Department of Administrative Services, and the State Fire Administrator/Commission on Fire Prevention & Control is within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.