Southington FD Issues Stern Warning On TikTok Craze

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Following last week's fire at Southington High School and this week's arrests of the students involved, local fire officials have issued a warning about a troubling trend.

The Southington Fire Department on Wednesday issued a stern message to the community, especially the local high school community, about a "disturbing new trend on TikTok."

Dubbed the "short-circuit challenge," this TikTok trend encourages people, mostly teens, to stick items inside their laptop computers (a common school tool these days), causing them to catch fire.

"The Southington Fire Department is warning residents about a disturbing new trend on TikTok where individuals intentionally short-circuit electronic devices, posing severe risks of fire, electrical shock, and property damage," wrote the SFD.

That's exactly what happened May 7 at SHS, when the school was evacuated after two students caused a laptop to catch fire.

A school staff member threw the burning computer out a window shortly before firefighters arrived.

On Wednesday, May 14, Southington police announced that two juvenile suspects were charged in connection with the incident.

Southington firefighters said, in addition to breaking the law by causing disruptive fires in school, participants in this TikTok trend could cause physical harm to themselves and others nearby.

Among the risks, firefighters said, are:

• Electrical fires, which are "fast, deadly, and difficult to extinguish."

• Short circuits that can "destroy electronics, damage home wiring, or ignite surrounding materials like curtains, bedding, and furniture."

• Electrocution, burns, and permanent injury.

• Large amounts of toxic smoke due to the lithium batteries.

"Engaging in this behavior can lead to criminal charges, especially if it results in injury or property damage," the Southington Fire Department said in a statement.

"The department is asking all parents and guardians to speak to their children regarding this issue."

From March 7: 'Laptop Fire Blamed For Southington School Evacuation: SFD: UPDATE'

From March 14: 'Teens Accused Of Setting Laptop On Fire At Southington HS: Police'\