Stupidity of our Youth - "Fire Challenge"

By Elizabeth Nelson

I had heard about this challenge last year and had thought surely it had been extinguished by now. However, with social media, it has not only been reignited but has caught fire yet again.  I know that we all did some stupid crap when we were kids, and I'm sure that some of you could testify that you're glad you lived through it, but we didn't become a human torch.

A new social media challenge that carries deadly consequences is at the center of an accident investigation in California.

As horrific as it sounds, it involves lighting a person on fire, then drenching them in water, all while recording video to share. Investigators say it may be the reason a 14-year-old burned over the weekend is now fighting for his life.

It’s a dangerous trend that is spreading like, well, wildfire.

Gavin Victor, a Santa Barbara High Freshman said, “I’ve just seen a couple videos. People will put some kind of flammable fluid on themselves and then light themselves on fire and then jump into a pool or spray themselves with water.”

Local high school students are familiar with this dangerous trend. Victor says, “It’s just stupid. It’s a dumb idea.”

A 14-year-old boy from Santa Barbara is fighting for his life after he and his two friends were playing with fire on Saturday Feb 28th.

The flames got out of control and engulfed the boy while his two friends tried to put it out. He was rushed to Cottage Hospital after he suffered second degree burns to his stomach, hands, back, and face.

Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley says, “The last official statement I heard was that he was in critical condition. And what I just heard is that he’s a fighter and he’s fighting.” Read more WWLP

As sad as it sounds, there's something about this generation and their total lack of value for life that I am not surprised that they are taking part in this moronic challenge.  Why should they value their own life, when they are so quick and willing to lay hands on someone else in the Knock out Game or try to take someone else'slife, without thinking twice?