Boy Dies After Participating in the FaceBook Fire Challenge

A 15-year-old boy has died after participating in a game that is circulating on the popular social network FaceBook. James Shores was burned to death after his entire body was engulfed in flames.

The #FireChallenge involves covering your body with an accelerant and setting yourself on fire. One’s friends will then video the act and share it on the internet. The imbecilic act is supposed to elicit laughter as onlookers and internet viewers watch the reaction from the party who is on fire.

Shores doused himself with alcohol and was set ablaze by his friends. Those who participate in this “game,” usually do so inside of the shower in case the fire spreads. In Shores case, he was not near the shower or any other water source. His friends battled unsuccessfully to put the fire out, and he later died from his injuries.


Police are warning participators about the dangers of this act and have urged the public to stop sharing the videos.

Police Commissioner James Daniels spoke with News-Two saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and offer our condolences to the family. It is paramount that the public stop sharing these videos. The people who participate in this so-called “game” do so for the notoriety and short-lived fame they receive on the internet. Taking away this fame could deter others from making the same mistake.”
FaceBook is doing their part by deleting all #FireChallege videos off of their website.