Chromebook Challenge Sparking Fires, Explosions With Students' Laptops

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — School leaders and the state fire marshal's office are asking parents to speak with their students about a social media trend called the "Chromebook challenge" that's sparking fires and explosions by tampering with school-issued computers.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal noted that there have been multiple instances of the Chromebook challenge gone wrong.

"Students insert items such as pencils and other metallic objects into device charging ports, causing short circuits. These incidents have resulted in sparks and smoke, with some cases leading to battery ignition due to thermal runaway, prompting emergency evacuations and disciplinary actions at schools across Maryland. We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts," said Maryland Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. "It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices."

Jillian Lader, manager of communications for Harford County Public Schools, said in a message sent to parents and guardians of HCPS students that "there is a serious potential for physical harm to themselves and classmates."

"In addition, please discuss the disruption to the instructional day, financial cost for repair as the intentional damage will void any pre-paid device coverage and the fact that disciplinary action will be taken," Lader added.