Fire officials warn about concerning “Chromebook Challenge” trend

SALISBURY, Md. – Fire officials are warning about a social media trend concerning students and their Chromebook laptops.

Authorities have documented multiple instances of what’s being called the Chromebook Challenge where students insert pencils and other metal objects into device charging ports, causing short circuits.

Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Matthew Stevens said the challenge creates a danger to students and teachers.

“The toxic smoke that’s created from the plastics and the batteries in the computers obviously are a danger and then the possibility of fire, not only does it consume the computer, but it can consume any combustibles that the computer is on or around creating a large fire,” said Stevens.

Meanwhile, Residents are in shock about the new social media challenge that has made its rounds on the internet.

“I think it’s insane, they need to give these kids composition books and paper, like we’re spending all this money on resources and they’re being dangerous with them so, no,” said Amy Stewart.

“It strikes me as the computers have been given to them as a privilege and for them to ultimately destroy it creates an expense for their families,” said Steve Kain.

“It’s crazy, it’s ludicrous, so many things you can learn off the internet and to do something stupid like that is crazy and they putting metal objects in outlets, yeah that’s crazy,” said Thorne Hurt.

Stevens said so far there haven’t been any reports of the Chromebook Challenge being done here on the Eastern Shore, but said there have been upwards of 10 incidents in Prince George’s County.

“Just don’t do it,” said Stevens. “Not only is it dangerous, but depending on the possibility and the circumstances surrounding it, it could also lead to criminal charges, especially if the computer is the property of the Board of Education.”

Stevens said this is a good time to remind folks about having working smoke detectors in your home or school facility to help detect a fire should one start.

We reached out to the Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester County school districts. Each of them said they haven’t had any incidents thus far.