A disturbing viral video showing schoolchildren “smoking” the contents of a fire extinguisher has sparked urgent warnings from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), which says the dangerous trend could have fatal consequences.
In the widely circulated clip, a group of schoolboys can be seen taking turns inhaling substances released from a red fire extinguisher, encouraging each other as one pupil sprays the contents while others breathe it in.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi expressed serious concern over the incident, warning of the severe health risks linked to the behaviour.
“As a City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, we are concerned about the video circulating on our social media platforms where young school learners are seen inhaling or smoking something which is coming out of a portable fire extinguisher.”
Mulaudzi warned that smoking or inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health complications, including respiratory distress, seizures and even death.
He stressed that fire extinguishers are not designed for human use and can cause serious harm if misused.
“Your fire extinguisher is a fire safety device which is not designed for human consumption or inhalation. So, it can cause serious respiratory distress. So, we are pleading with our school learners to refrain from smoking or deliberately inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher,” he said.
Mulaudzi also called on parents to play an active role in preventing such behaviour.
“And also pleading with parents out there to ensure that they educate young people to refrain from inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher,” he added.
EMS has urged schools to take proactive steps by engaging its Public Education Unit to raise awareness about fire safety and the dangers of misuse.
The Star
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