A girl in the south suburbs of Chicago suffered severe burns after taking part in a viral "fire challenge" that involved igniting rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Flames spread to an alcohol bottle, which exploded and burned approximately 45%–50% of her face and caused serious hand injuries. She was treated at UChicago Medicine Engels, where clinicians removed burned tissue to apply topical treatments. Her mother, Denisha, and safety experts urge parents to warn children about the dangers of risky social-media stunts and to supervise online activity.
Chicago Mom Warns After Daughter Suffers Severe Burns in Viral “Fire Challenge”
GettyStock image of a girl in the hospital
A girl living in the south suburbs of Chicago sustained extensive burns after taking part in a dangerous social media stunt known as the “fire challenge,” family members and local media report. The stunt involves dousing hands with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and setting the liquid alight.
According to the girl’s mother, Denisha, the flames quickly spread from her daughter’s hands to a nearby bottle of alcohol, which then exploded and sent fire toward the girl’s face and parts of the home.
“My mom called me and said that the kitchen cabinets were on fire and that my daughter had burned herself,” Denisha told FOX32 Chicago.
Denisha rushed her daughter to UChicago Medicine Engels, where clinicians said they had to remove burned tissue so topical creams and ointments could be applied. Medical staff determined the girl suffered second-degree burns covering roughly 45%–50% of her face, in addition to severe injuries to her hands.
GettyStock image of a child's hand holding a burning match
Medical Impact and Home Damage
The injuries required immediate wound care and have had a profound effect on the family. In addition to the physical trauma, parts of the kitchen were set alight by the blaze.
Expert Warning
Christopher Colbert, a former assistant program director at the University of Illinois, told FOX32 Chicago that these stunts can be deceptively dangerous.
“You could have a rush of flame, a spread of flame, that is not intended, that can extend to the face and to the eyes,” Colbert said.
Rubbing alcohol and many hand sanitizers are highly flammable; when ignited they can produce a sudden, fast-moving flame that is difficult to control.
GettyStock image of girl in hospital
Advice for Parents and Guardians
Many social platforms list 13 as the minimum user age, but children and teens may not grasp the real risk of copycat challenges. Denisha and safety advocates urge parents to talk with children about the dangers of viral dares, supervise younger users, and remove or report harmful content when possible.
If a burn occurs, experts recommend cooling the area with cool (not icy) running water for several minutes and seeking medical attention for serious burns—especially those affecting the face, hands, or large body areas.
The family’s warning adds to growing concern among parents, medical professionals, and public-safety advocates about online trends that encourage risky, copycat behavior.
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