10-05-2025
School board member says Sparkman 9th grade school evacuated, possibly connected to internet challenge
HARVEST, Ala. (WHNT) — A Madison County School Board member says Sparkman Ninth Grade School was evacuated Friday afternoon for a possible fire, which he says may be linked to a viral TikTok trend.
Madison County School Board Vice President Heath Jones said Friday afternoon the school was evacuated after there were indications of a possible fire on the first floor of the school.
Jones said that local fire departments, including Harvest Volunteer Fire Department, Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue and Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue, responded and confirmed there was no active fire. He said it discovered that a metal object had been inserted into an electrical socket in a classroom, causing a spark and initiating the evacuation.
The board vice president said there were no immediate threats, injuries or damage reported in the incident.
However, Jones said he believes the incident may be related to a TikTok challenge.
'It has come to my attention that this incident may be linked to a trending TikTok challenge,' he said. 'I want to assure our community that those responsible will face appropriate disciplinary action. Such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school system.'
Jones expressed gratitude for the quick action by the agencies that responded.
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