THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025 Page 5 Fire Officials Warn Against Laptop Fire Social Media “Challenge” 14 Incidents and Attempts Reported in Massachusetts, Many More Likely Undetected S TOW—State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Massachusetts fi re chiefs are urging parents and educators to talk to youngsters about the risk of fi re and injury posed by a recent social media “challenge.” The trend, which appears to have started on TikTok, promotes inserting a paper clip, pencil lead, or other conductive object into a laptop computer’s charging port or other port. This can cause a short circuit that increases the device’s temperature or causes smoke, sparks, or a fi re — any of which could injure a young user. “We’ve received more than a dozen reports from Massachusetts fi re departments of young people engaging in this behavior in less than a week,” said State Fire Marshal Davine, who last week circulated a notice about the nationwide trend to local fire chiefs. “There are probably many more that responsible adults haven’t heard of or officially reported. No matter how smart your kids or students might be, please impress upon them that the only thing you should place in a computer port is the appropriate cord.” “Today’s electronic devices pack a lot of power into small containers, and tampering with them is dangerous,” said Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. “Almost all modern laptops are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can erupt in sparks and fl ames when damaged or abused. An event like that will injure anyone close by. The fi re can easily spread to clothing, bedding, upholstery, and furniture.” Most of the reported incidents were interrupted by teachers who spotted the abuse of school-issued laptops. They occurred in Barnstable County, Essex County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Middlesex County, and Worcester County beginning on or about May 6. So far, only one minor injury has been reported but heavy smoke and device damage have been reported in some cases. Unfortunately, social media trends involving risky fi re-related behavior are not new. In 2020, numerous electrical fi res and damage were reported after another challenge Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM promoted dropping a coin onto the prongs of a power plug partially inserted into a wall outlet.
6 Publizr Home