The internet has brought about some pretty lame fads: cinnamon challenges, planking, selfies…and now, it seems things have gone completely off the rails as teenagers are actually lighting themselves on fire!
The ‘fire challenge” has its own hashtag, numerous YouTube videos, and has even been reported on the tv news:
Fire being extremely dangerous and all, now the “fire challenge” has resulted in a 16-year-old teenager in Santa Ana suffering first- and second-degree burns. Authorities say he attempted on Friday to set himself on fire, possibly in an attempt to complete a challenge being disseminated on the Internet. The LA Times reports:
The boy, who was not identified, had poured rubbing alcohol across his chest before lighting himself on fire, according to Capt. Mike Summers, of the Orange County Fire Authority.
The teen was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana with burns on his face, neck and hips, and was in “moderate” and “stable” condition Saturday, Summers said.
Paramedics responded to the 900 block of South Standard Avenue in Santa Ana about 2:20 p.m. Friday where witnesses on scene said the teen had previously watched so-called fire challenge videos on YouTube. In such videos, people put flammable materials on their bodies, and then attempt to light themselves aflame without causing serious injury.
Post by KTLA 5 News.
Young people, please do not do this.
