Nine-Year-Old Suffers Severe Burns in Viral Fire Challenge, Officials Warn

A nine-year-old boy has suffered severe burns to 70 percent of his body after participating in a dangerous viral 'fire challenge,' prompting urgent warnings from New Orleans officials.

New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson stated that the child is "lucky to be alive" following the incident. The fire challenge, as described by Chief Nelson and New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, involves children igniting themselves with flammable substances to see how quickly they can extinguish the flames.

"It's very dangerous. It is not fun, and it is not funny," Kirkpatrick said in a public service video aimed at raising awareness. She urged children not to engage in the stunt, emphasizing that their lives are not worth the risk.

Officials implored parents to discuss the perils of this challenge and other extreme online behaviors with their children. "Parents, pay attention. Talk to your kids about the dangers of this challenge and other extreme behaviors seen on social media," Nelson advised. "New Orleans, let's protect our kids because fire is unpredictable and every life is precious," added the officials.

The 'fire challenge' has circulated on social media platforms for years. Facebook has previously stated its policy to remove videos depicting such dangerous activities.

This incident echoes past tragedies associated with the trend. In 2014, a North Carolina mother was arrested for allegedly assisting her 16-year-old son as he set himself on fire for a video. The teenager sustained minor burns, but his mother faced charges for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile after filming the act. Four years prior to that, a 12-year-old girl in Detroit suffered burns to 49 percent of her body after performing the challenge with friends.

The New Orleans Fire Department has been contacted for further comment.