(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is warning the community of a social media challenge that has the potential to cause a fire.
CSFD said the viral TikTok Chromebook Challenge encourages students to put a piece of metal or pencil lead into the charging port of the Chromebook. The reaction will then cause the device to spark, smoke, or catch fire. The challenge poses serious risks, including fire, battery explosions, and the release of toxic fumes. CSFD also said that if the Lithium-Ion batteries in the Chromebooks catch fire, they can be exceedingly difficult to extinguish.
According to CSFD, in the Pikes Peak Region, CSFD has been made aware of 16 instances of the trend taking place. Multiple students have been referred to the CSFD Youth Firesetter Intervention Program, which most school districts require students involved in these incidents to go through for fire safety awareness.
CSFD said so far, the incidents have stayed relatively minor and have not required a response by fire crews. CSFD is encouraging parents to have a conversation with their children about the dangers of tampering with an electronic device.
CSFD is also working with school districts and School Resource Officers to ensure they are well-versed in the challenge and the protocol for handling the situation.
