QUINCY, MA—The Norfolk County Fire Chiefs Association is warning parents of a viral video challenge that has caused at least two fires in Massachusetts. They say teens have been making sparks in outlets using a penny after seeing a video on the popular social media app TikTok.
The challenge involves partially inserting the plug of a phone charger into an electrical outlet and sliding a penny down the wall onto the exposed metal prongs, causing sparks to fly. Firefighters say this can cause electrical system damage and fires.
State Fire Marshall Peter Ostroskey issued an advisory about the challenge Tuesday after incidents at a home in Holden and a high school in Westford. Firefighters said those responsible for starting the fire at the high school will face charges.
The fire marshal said the video is similar to other viral videos firefighters have seen in the past that encourage unsafe behavior, and that parents should contact news organizations, schools and parent groups as well as local authorities.
"Alert them to this challenge, advise them to, not only look for signs of fire play like scorched outlets, but to have conversations about fire and electrical safety with tweens and teenagers," the fire marshal said in the advisory.
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