Parents are being urged to stay alert after a 14-year-old girl was left in hospital following an attempt at a so-called ‘fire-breathing’ social media challenge.
Officials say the teen was taken to hospital with “life-altering injuries” after drinking rubbing alcohol at her apartment complex in Pitcairn, near Pittsburgh. Wilmerding Fire Marshal Al Hussey reported the incident.
Rubbing alcohol — also known as isopropyl alcohol — is a clear, highly flammable liquid commonly used to disinfect surfaces and clean items such as electronics.
Investigators believe she was trying to copy an online trend where participants attempt to “breathe fire,” but the stunt went wrong.
According to WTAE, she suffered serious burns to around eight percent of her body, including injuries to her face, neck, and chest.
The New York Post reports she is receiving treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and is currently intubated.
Pitcairn Fire Chief Tommy Dick said the girl is “lucky to be alive,” warning the flames could have “easily gone inside their digestive track, and she could have died.”
“We are not meant to breathe fire as human beings,” Hussey added. “First and foremost, you can lose your life. Second, you can have life-altering injuries to your appearance.
“Third, you could injure others in a building where you’re in, or a room, or the home.”
“It’s not a very smart thing for anybody to do, let alone children,” Dick agreed. “It’s supposed to be for cleaning off wounds and cuts and stuff, not ingesting and trying to blow fire.”
He also encouraged young people not to recreate dangerous online challenges simply because they have seen them circulating on social platforms.
Dick added that parents should speak with their children about fire safety and remain closely involved, stressing the importance of being present and aware of what kids may be attempting.
Hussey said adults should be mindful of what chemicals children can access at home, particularly flammable or toxic products.
“If they’re doing their hair with chemicals, if they’re taking isopropyl alcohol in the room, or any type of fingernail polish remover. Obviously, monitor your lighters and your matches and educate your children.”
Concerns about children being hurt — and in some cases dying — while copying apparent online trends have grown in recent months.
Earlier this month, reports said a nine-year-old boy in Illinois suffered burns after microwaving a Needoh Nice Cube, a sensory fidget toy that has been featured in online videos.
Caleb Chabolla was taken to the emergency room, where the material was removed and his injuries were treated.
He experienced burns to his face, hands, and ears.
Caleb said he was following a TikTok trend that he had heard about from a friend.
In the UK, a 13-year-old girl died after she was believed to have inhaled “at least one can” of deodorant as part of an online trend known as chroming.
Tiegan Jarman was found unresponsive in her bedroom at her family home in Leicestershire.
Her father, Paul Jarman, said:
“She was the most loving, daring girl ever. She was warm, she was funny, she was quirky. She had a great laugh – and she made me laugh.
“My life was twisted upside down when she died, and I have to keep strong and carry on. She used to always call me Pookie. It’s just the funny little stuff.”
Her family says they want to raise awareness about the risks linked to certain online trends and the ways they can put young people in danger.