East Brunswick fire officials are urging residents to avoid viral social media stunts involving flames, flammable liquids or intentional spark creation, warning that a few seconds of clout can result in life-altering injuries.

The advisory comes in response to online trends on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, where users attempt to breathe fire, ignite household products or set objects ablaze on video.

Department officials emphasized that medical reports have documented severe burn injuries directly tied to social media challenges, with victims requiring extensive emergency treatment and surgeries.

Officials stressed that residents should never assume a stunt is safe simply because it appears controlled on screen. Fire can spread much faster than people can react.

The department’s message is simple: No social media challenge involving fire is safe, and risking severe burns, permanent scarring or an emergency room visit for online views is never worth it.