New Orleans Boy, 9, Burns 70% of His Body in a Viral 'Fire Challenge': Fire and Police Chiefs Warn Families
A 9-year-old boy in New Orleans has burned more than 70% of his body after taking part in a dangerous viral social media trend known as the 'fire challenge', according to officials cited by the New York Post on October 20. The unidentified boy is in 'unbearable pain' and is 'lucky to be alive', New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson said in a video address warning families about the challenge.
In the fire challenge, participants douse themselves in a household accelerant such as isopropyl alcohol or acetone, set themselves ablaze, and attempt to extinguish the flames before serious burns are incurred, according to the description recorded by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 'It's very dangerous. It is not fun, and it is not funny,' New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said, joining Nelson in the video.
Nelson urged parents to have a conversation with their children about how dangerous the challenge and other 'extreme behaviors' on social media can be. 'Kids, don't fall for this gimmick and don't feel peer pressure to take part in it. Your life is not worth it,' the warning said.
The fire and police chiefs issued the joint warning after the boy's injuries, in a video addressed to families about the risks of viral online challenges aimed at children.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 新奥尔良消防局云梯车资料图。照片：Vegasjon 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经维基共享资源。 / File photo of a New Orleans Fire Department ladder truck. Photo by Vegasjon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
