Avoid the “fire challenge”
This new social media stunt is not to be believed. Unfortunately, it’s gone viral on YouTube, Vine and other sites with dire consequences.
The fire challenge, it seems, is how long you can endure pain while the stunt is being filmed. Kids are using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and other home products to set themselves on fire. Some kids have failed at putting out the flames before the damage is done. Others are filmed lighting a firecracker held in their mouths! Emergency room visits have increased since 2012 as a result of this trend.
Fernando in bandages
In August, 2014, 16-year-old Fernando Valencia of Los Angeles, California, suffered second and third degree burns on his face, neck and waist after taking the challenge. He faces skin grafts. Fernando has turned advocate against this trend. In an interview with a local news station, he explained that he “thought I could last longer under the flame . . . . it was a dumb idea.” Enough said.
