Firefighters called to school after laptop set on fire in 'social media trend'

Firefighters were called to a school in West Dunbartonshire after a laptop was allegedly set on fire as part of a social media trend.

The council confirmed fire crews attended a school last month following a small fire believed to be connected to the vandalism of an electronic device.

It follows a trend on social media, which gained popularity in America last year, called the “Chromebook challenge” in which pupils jam items into laptop charging ports, which can cause fires.

The incident is understood to have happened at Our Lady & St Patrick’s High in Dumbarton.

No one was injured and there was no wider damage caused, the council said.

Pupils in schools across the region have been spoken to regarding the issue and parents have been informed via letters.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says enquiries into the incident are ongoing and has warned of the dangers surrounding the trend.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a significantly worrying trend being distributed on social media around Chromebook Laptops.

“Laptops are powered by Lithium-Ion Batteries which can have devastating consequences of fire, releasing toxic gases which can overcome individuals very quickly.

“In addition, they can explode and cause serious injuries to anyone near them, or where they have been tampered with, could have a delay in igniting, sometimes when unattended.

“Anyone attempting to undertake any actions identified within the trend are committing a criminal offence and could be prosecuted for wilful fire raising.

“More importantly, they are risking the lives of themselves and others and we would encourage parents or peers to raise awareness of these serious concerns.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended one of our schools following a small fire believed to be connected to the vandalism of an electronic device.

“No-one was injured and there was no wider damage caused.

“We have spoken with pupils in our schools and have also lettered parents for awareness.”